Fasching in Germany Under Terrorist Threat

This article first appeared in New English Review.

The Fasching (Carnival) season is a great time to be in Germany. Everybody dresses up in crazy costumes, and there are parties and parades galore. When I was serving with the US Army in Erlangen, just outside Nuremberg, in the 1960s, I remember participating in Fasching parties in some of the GI bars that we frequented. It was great to be able to participate in this wonderful German tradition.

But that was then. Now Germany is under terrorist threat from Islamic extremists who have nothing but contempt for the country that has given them asylum and its traditions, like Fasching. ISIS has issued specific threats against Fasching celebrations in Germany. Is it coincidental that Ramadan is also currently in progress, or does ISIS think it is evil for Germans to be having a giant party while Muslims are fasting during the day? 

As a result of the threat, several cities in Germany are canceling certain Fasching events normally organized by the cities and states. Munich has canceled some of its main events, partly due to its own recent Islamist car attack that left two dead this month, and many other cities are looking for ways to cut down on the risk of attacks. Parades in particular are being canceled in many cities across the nation.

In Nuremberg, a city I am quite familiar with, the city has decided to allow the major parade, scheduled for today, but has canceled the Fasching Children’s Parade scheduled for Monday, March 3. It is unfortunate and sad, but one can understand the reasoning. God forbid that some jihadist(s) would go on a rampage in the middle of a children’s parade with guns, knives, cars, or bombs leaving dozens of dead children in their wake.

So this is the time we are living in. It speaks volumes that a city like Nuremberg has to cancel its children’s parade for fear of an Islamic attack. In addition, Jewish Passover is on the way, and no doubt there will have to be beefed-up security at synagogues and other Jewish locations. The reason? The same.

In contrast, Muslims in Germany don’t have to worry about their Ramadan observances being attacked by terrorists, and that’s the way it should be. No decent person wants to go on a murderous rampage against anyone, including innocent Muslims. During this month of fasting, Muslims are supposed to reflect on how to be better Muslims. Unfortunately, for some, that means attacking the “unbelievers”. The result is that Ramadan is hardly a month in which non-Muslims don’t have to fear being attacked. It is quite the opposite.

In my view, this should be a time for decent Muslims observing Ramadan in Germany to reflect on why a children’s Fasching parade has to be canceled due to fear that the children could be slaughtered by jihadists. They might also reflect on how that affects the way the German people view Islam and those who follow it. 

My hope is that Fasching goes ahead and the Germans don’t allow terrorists to interfere with their cultural celebrations. And of course, I pray that it can go forward free of attacks.