Berlin: Germany's top politicians and leaders of religious communities joined a solidarity rally organised by Islamic groups in Berlin on Tuesday, calling for joint actions against terrorism and a peaceful coexistence between different religions.
Thousands of people participated in the rally at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, which is organised by Germany's Muslim organisations and Turkish community groups in the wake of last week's attacks in Paris in which 17 people were killed, Xinhua reported.
German President Joachim Gauck, Chancellor Angela Merkel and members of her cabinet as well as other senior figures from across the political spectrum have attended the gathering.
"We are all Germany," said Gauck while addressing the rally, calling upon all people in Germany, regardless of their religion or origin, to support openness and democracy.
He also expressed his gratitude to Germany's Muslims for having distanced themselves from terrorism in Islam's name.
Aiman Mazyek, head of the German Council of Muslims, told the crowd that there was no justification for intimidation and violence such as the attack on the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo.
"The terrorists haven't won, and they will not win," he added.
