CIVIC leaders in Redditch have sent a letter of expressing condolences and solidarity to the Mayor of Berlin following Monday’s terrorist attack (December 19).
Twelve people died when a lorry ploughed into a crowded Christmas market in the German capital.
Police suspect the tragedy has all the hallmarks of an Islamist terror attack.
The leader of Redditch borough council, Councillor Bill Hartnett, said: “We cannot let the terrorists get away with this kind of thing, it’s a matter of solidarity and standing together.
“We did the same after the Bataclan attack in Paris, the tragedy in Nice, all over the world where this sort of thing has happened and I’m sure if, God Forbid, something happened in this country they would do the same for us.”
The letter to the Berlin Mayor, Michael Muller, was sent directly to Berlin.
“When we first put the idea out there Redditch mosque was one of the first to say, please send our condolences from us, which I was happy to do,” said Coun Hartnett.
Mayor Joe Baker added: “After seeing the news of this terrible event I thought it was important to contact Coun Hartnett to see if we could arrange a letter to be sent to the Mayor of Berlin. I felt it was the right thing to do for us to stand strong and show solidarity.”
The letter in translation reads as follows:
Dear Mr Muller,
As Mayor and Council Leader of Redditch in England, we are writing to you after the terrible attack at the Berlin Christmas market to share our condolences and prayers.
Shortly after hearing the news from Berlin, the Imam from the Redditch mosque sent me an email. He asked us to send the thoughts of the Redditch Muslims who were shocked to hear the news from Berlin.
At Christmastime, families should be able to celebrate together. We fear that for some families in Berlin that will now be almost impossible. We hope that the affected families will find the strength to live and know that at this terrible time, people from around the world are thinking of them.
We say to all from Berlin, “be strong, we are thinking of you”.
Joe Baker, Mayor of Redditch
Bill Hartnett, leader of Redditch borough council
