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German school's first communal Iftar unites students and teachers during Ramadan

Breaking bread at sunset became a lesson in empathy. This Ramadan, one school turned a religious tradition into a bridge for community and respect.

The image shows a group of people standing next to each other on a stage, each holding a bouquet of...
The image shows a group of people standing next to each other on a stage, each holding a bouquet of flowers and certificates in their hands. In the background, there is a screen with the words "Yogyakarta Penang International School" written on it, indicating that the group is celebrating their success in the school.

German school's first communal Iftar unites students and teachers during Ramadan

Joerg-Lederer Middle School recently held its first communal Iftar during Ramadan. The event brought together students, teachers and local officials to share in the tradition of breaking the fast. Organisers aimed to foster understanding and strengthen bonds within the school community.

The evening began at sunset with the traditional breaking of the fast using dates and water. A shared meal followed, allowing participants to experience the cultural and religious significance of Iftar firsthand. Participation was voluntary and open to everyone at the school.

Teachers Annalena Freimuth and Havva Çömert led the organisation of the event. Guests included City Councilor Dr. Özlem Nigar-Tas and Thomas Dressel, the school's representative for Catholic religious education. Principal Christian Gebauer later emphasised that such gatherings deepen mutual respect and solidarity. The school plans to make the communal Iftar an annual tradition. Future events may also expand to involve more classes. The initiative aligns with the school's broader goal of promoting respectful coexistence and opposing exclusion and discrimination. While no central statistics track similar interfaith events nationwide, such gatherings have become increasingly common in diverse schools across many German cities in recent years.

The event provided students and staff with direct insights into Islamic traditions. By making the Iftar a yearly occurrence, the school hopes to reinforce its commitment to inclusivity. The voluntary nature of the gathering ensured broad participation while respecting individual choices.

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