For
Britz and Buckow.
For
You.

Last night's attack on the CSD leaves us stunned. Hours of joy, music, dance, ecstasy, diversity and colorful celebration, shattered by a fanatically hateful, Islamist-radicalized individual.

What can we do? Back the security forces who will find the perpetrator. Of course. Don't let the hatred wash over us. Make sure that solidarity and humanity will, in the long run, always be stronger. So today, go to one of the memorial events.

But also: take seriously that such an act never comes out of nowhere. Let's speak up when someone in the family, at work or in the sports club rants with hatred against gay men or lesbians, against trans people, against all or some who don't fit the hetero norm. Let's speak up just the same when the hatred is directed at other groups.

Let's also speak up when a fanatic like this wants to present himself as an especially good Muslim – or when people claim the attacker represents Muslims in Germany. Yes, ISIS refers to Islam. Just as an Anders Breivik refers to Christianity. That's why we need a serious examination of the ideological background, of sympathizer networks and possible backers. But never let the hatred of individuals outweigh the lived reality and faith of millions of people.

And let's not repeat the mistakes made after earlier terrorist attacks. After the attacks at Breitscheidplatz or in Hanau, victims and their families often felt left alone. Anyone who becomes the victim of an attack needs more than solidarity on the day after. They need lasting empathy and, unfortunately, often also psychological care, rehabilitation and genuine compensation for victims.

For more togetherness, compassion and visible joy of life. Against instrumentalization, trivialization and isolation. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈