Berlin School Withdraws Mandatory Ramadan Event After Parental Backlash

The Berlin Senate intervened to clarify that participation in the Ramadan fast-breaking ceremony must be voluntary, citing the neutrality requirement for state schools.

A Berlin school in Neukölln announced a mandatory Ramadan fast-breaking (Iftar) event for 7th-grade students, including non-Muslims, sparking parental objections.
The event was scheduled for the evening of March 28, with students required to bring food and attend as a replacement for regular classes.
Parents criticized the mandate, questioning why similar obligations are not imposed for Christian holidays like Christmas or Easter.
The Berlin Senate intervened, stating that religious events at state schools must be voluntary and cannot replace regular classes.
The school revised its invitation, making attendance optional, but has not publicly commented on the controversy.