Berlin's "Volksbad" Reopens After Racist Threats Lead to Event Cancellation

The temporary "Volksbad" swimming pool in front of Berlin's Volksbühne theater has reopened to the public after days of closure and heated debate surrounding a canceled event. The pool, a 25-meter long and 1.30-meter deep facility, is set up until early October and offers free entry.

The closure followed the cancellation of a planned event by the anti-racism association Each One Teach One (Eoto). The event was intended exclusively for members of the Black community, particularly children and adolescents. Eoto cited a climate of racist discussions and threats as the reason for the cancellation, stating they could no longer guarantee the physical and psychological safety of the young attendees.

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We can therefore not rule out that the children and adolescents would be exposed to further dangers on that day.

"We can therefore not rule out that the children and adolescents would be exposed to further dangers on that day," Eoto wrote on its website. The association reported receiving racist hate emails and threats of violence, alongside discriminatory comments on social media, since the public discussion began. These concerns led to the decision to cancel the event, prioritizing the well-being of the participants.

The "solidarische Anbaden" (solidarity bathing) event began at noon on Saturday. While online tickets for the day were quickly booked, the theater spokesperson mentioned that spontaneous visits might be possible depending on capacity. The pool operates Tuesday through Sunday, with Mondays and Tuesdays serving as rest days. The reopening aims to provide a safe and accessible space for recreation amidst the ongoing discussions.

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The "solidarity bathing" began at noon.