Berlin installs rainbow bench and plants tree to honor Pride attack victims

Berlin officials and members of the LGBTQ community gathered in the Tiergarten on Tuesday to unveil a new rainbow bench and plant a maple tree, both dedicated to the victims of the recent attack on the city’s Pride parade, known locally as the CSD. The bench, painted in the vibrant colors of the pride flag, will serve as a quiet place of remembrance and reflection for visitors to the park. The maple tree, planted beside it, symbolizes growth and resilience in the wake of the violence.

The ceremony was attended by Berlin’s mayor, representatives from the city council, and leaders of local LGBTQ advocacy groups. In a brief statement, the mayor described the installation as a “symbolic act of solidarity and a commitment to ensuring that the memory of those lost is honored in a public space that promotes inclusion.” The event followed a series of security reviews and community outreach initiatives aimed at preventing future attacks on the city’s LGBTQ population.

As the new bench and tree take root in the Tiergarten, city officials and activists hope the installation will foster a sense of healing and serve as a reminder of the community’s ongoing struggle for safety and equality. The project underscores Berlin’s broader efforts to create inclusive public spaces that commemorate both the history and the future of its LGBTQ residents.