Jewish Pride on Display in the Heart of Berlin

On Lag Ba’omer one of the most beautiful and central streets of Berlin – Kurfüstendamm – was occupied by hundreds of marching people, taking part in the Jewish Parade for Peace and Tolerance.

Loud Jewish music, trucks with Israeli flags, motorbikes, posters, clowns, baloons and much more – made the surprised pedestrians stop for a while to watch this incredible event happening on a Sunday afternoon. Even though all the weather forecasts were promising a rainy day, the attendees were delighted to be able to march through “Kudamm” without getting their feet soaking wet.

Dagmar König, the district councilor, reminded the crowd that the starting point of the parade – Olivaer platz – was not chosen randomly. “In the 1930s this was the only place in Berlin where the Jewish people were allowed to sit on benches,” he said.

Making Jewish life an integral part of the German capital city is also a matter of concern for Klaus Dieter Gröhler, member of the German Parliament. “Positive actions like this are the best remedy against anti-Semitism, “shared the politician.

The parade ended with the beginning of a street festival at the premises of the Chabad Jewish Educational Center of Berlin.

Around 700 people came to partake in the joyous celebrations. The special program for children made this day remarkable for families. Kosher food, live DJ music, people of all ages and all backgrounds being together turned Lag Ba’omer into a wonderful holiday of Jewish heritage, peace and tolerance.

The parade and the street festival were organized by Rabbi Shmuel Segal of the Chabad Jewish Educational Center.