German president wishes Muslims joyous, blessed Eid

BERLIN (AA) – German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Thursday wished Muslims in Germany a happy and blessed Eid at the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

“The festival at the end of Ramadan is one of the great religious festivals in our country,” he said in a statement, adding that after a month of reflection and renunciation, Muslim families, friends and neighbors will now come together to celebrate.

Steinmeier said the Eid al-Fitr festival is also an opportunity to strengthen dialogue and understanding between different cultures and religions in Germany.

“I hope that people of other faiths and non-believers will take this opportunity to engage in conversation with Muslims and know more about one of the two important festivals in Islam,” he said.

“In our culturally diverse society, the more we approach each other with curiosity, openness and respect, the more successful would be the harmonious coexistence of differences,” he added.

Steinmeier also thanked Muslims who organized campaigns in recent months and weeks to mobilize support for the victims of earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria.

“Muslims, Islamic communities and organizations from Germany have supported the people in the disaster area with donations and aid campaigns, and they continue to do so. My heartfelt thanks go to all the helpers today,” he said.

A country of over 84 million people, Germany has the second-largest Muslim population in Western Europe after France. It is home to nearly 5 million Muslims, according to official figures.