Rainbow Bench Memorial for Berlin CSD Attack Vandalized
Berlin, September 1 – A rainbow-colored bench, placed in Berlin’s Tiergarten park as a memorial to the victims of the Christopher Street Day (CSD) attack, has been severely damaged by unknown individuals and will have to be removed. The bench was intended to be a place of remembrance for the tragic incident that occurred on July 25, 2026.
According to the Berlin police, the bench was so badly damaged that it must be dismantled. Alfonso Pantisano, Berlin’s Queer Commissioner, shared an image of the destroyed bench on Instagram, expressing his dismay: “This is how it looks this morning. Destroyed. Seriously: What is wrong with people?” Pantisano emphasized that destroying a place of mourning for the deceased and injured victims of the attack “crosses a line for me.”
A Symbol of Remembrance and Solidarity
The Berlin-Mitte district office had only installed the rainbow-painted bench on August 6. It was meant to invite reflection, contemplation, and silent remembrance, as well as to express solidarity with the queer community. Additionally, a French maple tree was planted to replace the tree with which the attacker’s vehicle collided.
The attack on the CSD in Berlin on July 25 involved a box truck driving into a crowd of people. A 65-year-old Polish woman was killed, and 31 people were injured, some severely. A 21-year-old man was driving the vehicle and subsequently attacked other passers-by with a stabbing weapon. Security authorities suspect an Islamist motive. The man was shot dead by police one day after the attack during an operation.
Community Reaction and Broader Context
This act of vandalism comes amidst ongoing discussions about extremism and the safety of the LGBTQ+ community. The destruction of a memorial intended to foster solidarity and remembrance has been met with widespread condemnation. It highlights the persistent challenges faced by queer individuals and the importance of continued efforts to combat hatred and violence.
The incident also draws attention to a broader trend of anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment in various parts of the world. For instance, a Pforzheim lay preacher was recently convicted of incitement to hatred for disparaging homosexual and queer people, and a survey in Switzerland indicated strong public support for LGBTQ+ equality and a ban on conversion therapies.
The destruction of the rainbow bench serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and continued advocacy for human rights and tolerance. Authorities are investigating the incident, and the LGBTQ+ community and its allies remain committed to promoting inclusivity and respect.
Source: https://www.ref.ch/news/gedenkort-csd-berlin-regenbogenbank-zerstort-lgbtq/
