A letter from the Zuckmayer School in the Neukölln district of Berlin has caused displeasure among parents. Not only were the seventh-graders invited to take part in the Islamic fast-breaking (iftar), but attendance was also compulsory.
Parents were asked to bring their children food, for which a special list was drawn up. Breaking the fast is a central ritual in the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan and only takes place after sunset.
Particularly controversial: according to the letter, the event was to take place in the evening and lessons would be cancelled elsewhere. This called the Berlin education authorities into action. This made it clear that religious events at state schools are voluntary and that no lessons may be cancelled. After consultation with the school inspectorate, the invitation was revised accordingly. The school has not yet issued a statement.
Ramadan also poses challenges for many schools in Austria. More and more young children – some as young as primary school age – are abstaining from eating and drinking during lessons. Educators and experts are sounding the alarm. Vienna primary school unionist Thomas Krebs warned of the consequences: ‘Without sufficient hydration, physical education is hardly possible. In addition, many children suffer from poor concentration, hypoglycaemia and exhaustion – some literally fall over.’
Peer pressure also plays a significant role. According to Krebs, there are cases of pupils pressurising their peers to fast as well. This can lead to children abstaining from food for fear of social exclusion, even if they have health problems.
https://jungefreiheit.de/politik/deutschland/2025/berliner-schule-zwingt-kinder-zu-ramadan-feier/