Breaking the fast together becomes a tradition

On 7 March 2025, the third edition of the breaking of the fast with Mayor Thomas Kerkhoff took place in Bocholt - after two successful events in the Skylounge, it was held for the first time in the Lernwerk event hall. The joint evening was organised by integration officer Bruno Wansing, who aims to promote interreligious and intercultural dialogue with this event.

Over 100 guests, including mosque associations, representatives of cultural associations, the integration council, Catholic and Protestant parishes and numerous other local organisations and institutions, came together for this special evening.

Enriching intercultural exchange

In his welcoming address, Mayor Thomas Kerkhoff emphasised the importance of breaking the fast as an integral part of Bocholt's culture. "In recent years we have celebrated the breaking of the fast in the Skylounge, today it is just as nice to do this in the Lernwerk. Breaking the fast is more than a ritual - it is an opportunity to strengthen intercultural dialogue and show that Bocholt is a place of acceptance and respectful coexistence", said Kerkhoff.

He emphasised that it was important to promote exchange between religions and cultures and to advocate tolerance and appreciation. "The evening showed once again how enriching intercultural exchange is for our city."

Juan Lopez Casanava, Chairman of the Integration Council, also emphasised the importance of joint cooperation and interreligious dialogue in his speech: "We must recognise our differences and work together to build a strong society based on solidarity", explained Casanava. He encouraged those present to use their right to vote in the local and integration council elections in September and to play an active role in shaping democracy in Bocholt.

Fasting is more than just giving up food

In his speech, the Imam of the Ahmadiyya community, Ansar Ahmad Arshad, spoke about the deeper meaning of fasting during Ramadan. He explained that fasting is not just abstaining from food, but a spiritual practice that teaches people to overcome their ego and develop more empathy and altruism. He emphasised the need to grow together as a community and added: "Empathy is the key to meeting the challenges of our time."

The evening was accompanied musically by the duo Murat Cakmaz and Recep Seber, who enriched the event with melodic sounds on the ney and the kanun. The call to prayer by Ahmed Laeeq, translated by Toufiq Laeeq (both from the Ahmadiyya community), introduced the breaking of the fast, after which the guests enjoyed a variety of traditional dishes, including lentil soup, chicken korma and lamb curry. The buffet was kindly prepared by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat community of Bocholt-Isselburg.

Unifying values are universal

The guests were delighted with the event. Brahim Fardouss from the newly founded German-Moroccan Cultural Association praised the city of Bocholt for its tolerance and commitment to organising such an event. "The presence of the mayor and the opportunity to exchange ideas with other associations is a valuable sign of cohesion in Bocholt", said Fardouss.

Claudia Soggeberg from Caritas Bocholt was equally impressed: "The Imam's speech was profound and showed me that the values that unite us as human beings are universal. We all face the challenge of preserving these values in a changing society", said Soggeberg.

Cem Demir from the DITIB was delighted with the youth table: "Everything was once again perfectly organised! I really enjoyed the musical interlude - I would love to see it again next year! I also thought it was great that we had several young people at the youth table this time. The exchange with the schoolgirls (2023 Integration Award winners) was particularly enriching - it really made a great impression."

Julia Nakotte, from the neighbourhood association Tür an Tür e.V., who was there for the first time, thought it was great "that the groups were mixed up by the table arrangement. You simply get to know new nice people and get to socialise. The food from the Ahmadiyya community was also a highlight."

Organiser Bruno Wansing drew a satisfied conclusion. "We sat the different people from Bocholt around the tables in a colourful mix to promote dialogue right from the start. We succeeded." He thanked his team Jennifer and Jacqueline Rollfinke, Florian Döing and Nils Klumpen.

The breaking of the fast in the Lernwerk, which is also the home of the cultural associations, was another successful step towards an even stronger intercultural and interreligious community in Bocholt. It not only provided a festive setting, but also a valuable opportunity for all those present to engage in dialogue and live the values of respect, acceptance and empathy.