Statement of solidarity from the Central Migration Advisory Council on the attack on people at the CSD festival on 25.07.2026

UNITED AGAINST INTOLERANCE AND HATE

We look back on the tragic events at Christopher Street Day (CSD) in Berlin with dismay, grief and anger. We condemn this act of violence. Our thoughts and full sympathy go out to the victims, their families and the entire queer community.

The perpetrator has already been identified. It is a young man from the migrant community who has allegedly been radicalized by Islamist forces. As the Migration Advisory Council, we state clearly and unequivocally: We condemn this misanthropic act and distance ourselves in the strongest possible terms from any form of religious extremism.

Islamism is not a form of belief, but a misanthropic ideology that combats the foundations of a free and open society. Violence and fanaticism are absolutely contrary to the values of respect, human dignity and peaceful coexistence. Anyone who sows hatred and attacks people in the name of a religion is also against the peaceful Muslims and people with a history of migration in this city.

Resolute objection to the instrumentalization by the AfD

At the same time, we strongly condemn the way in which far-right forces, and above all the AfD, are exploiting this heinous act for their own political purposes just a few hours later.

Even before the victims are cared for and the investigation is completed, officials from this party are exploiting people's suffering to campaign across the board against refugees, Muslims and people with a history of migration. This form of misanthropic politics is deeply despicable:

· A slap in the face of the victims: People at the CSD demonstrated for an open, free and diverse society — values that the AfD has always fought against. Misusing the fate of those affected for racist agitation tramples on their dignity.

· Two sides of the same coin: Whether “Islamist perpetrators” or far-right agitators — both ultimately pursue the same goal: They want to sow fear, destroy cooperation and stir up uncertainty.

We will not allow right-wing extremists to misuse this pain to drive wedges into our city and society. Anyone who exploits the suffering of victims for hate speech is not about security, but about the destruction of our democracy.

All marginalized groups working together

The strategy of extremists of all stripes will not work. Right now, we're going to be even closer together.

As representatives of discriminated groups in Berlin — whether people with a history of migration, the queer community or religious minorities — we in particular do not allow ourselves to be pitted against each other. Our dividing line is not between origins, religions, or sexual identities. It runs solely between those who stand up for a free, secure and democratic society and those who want to destroy it.

Diversity is our strength — love and solidarity prevail over hate

Diversity is not a risk, but the invaluable added value of our city. But this diversity can only flourish if all people in Berlin can move around safely and freely — regardless of who they love, where they come from, what they look like or what they believe in. The fight against racism, queer hostility and fanaticism is the common struggle of each and every one of us.

We call on all citizens and politicians in Berlin to: Let us stand up together against all forms of extremism, hate and agitation. We are fighting together for a Berlin in which freedom and cooperation are non-negotiable.

Because one thing is certain and remains irrefutable: Love must and will always be the stronger force than hate.

With deep solidarity and determination

The Central Migration Advisory Council

This statement is based on the statement of the Reinickendorf Migration Advisory Council.

It was supplemented by the Executive Board for the Central Migration Advisory Council and adopted by the District Advisory Council in circulation.

03.08.2026