Lord Mayor of Lünen Mr. Jürgen Kleine-Frauns,

Mr. Rainer Schmeltzer, Vice President of the State Parliament of NRW

Lünen Selimiye Mosque Association President Mr. Erdal Canbay,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Allow me start by thanking the Association management for this iftar program and express my pleasure of being here with you on this beautiful Ramadan evening.

Ramadan is an exceptional period oftime when divine values such as spiritual purification, tolerance, unityand solidarity are intensified. Being here tonight sharing the İftar tableis an embodiment that we stand with these values.

However, in today’s world were xenophobia and racism are on the rise,we need this climate of tolerancemore than ever.

Unfortunately we see an increasing number of attacks onpeople's homes, workplaces and mosques simply because they are Turkish orMuslim.

On the occasion of “15th of MarchInternational Day to Combat Islamophobia” we call on the internationalcommunity to take a common stance against anti-Islam tendencies.

Taking this opportunity Icommemorate with respect and gratitude all the people who have lost their livesin racist ve Islamophobic terror attacks and offer my condolences to their lovedones.

Ladies, Gentlemen,

It is sad to see hundreds ofthousands of people in Gaza being deprived of basic needs such as food, cleanwater and healthcare.

Türkiye will continue to oppose the deliberatetargeting, killing, torturing and starving of civilians and children,regardless of their religion or belief.

Dear Participants,

We once again commemorate thetremendous loss of lives in the earthquake disasters that occurred in Türkiye lastyear. I would like to Express our gratitude to our German friends for thelending hand they have extended during our time of need.

As I conclude my words, I pray thatthe Holy Month of Ramadan will bring peace, abundance and tranquility to all ofhumanity.

Now with your permission I wouldalso like to shortly address my fellow countrymen in Turkish.