Berlin pool event for Black youth cancelled after racist threats

Each One Teach One (EOTO), an anti‑racism group, announced on Thursday that its planned swimming session for Black children and teenagers at the temporary Volksbad pool was being cancelled. The event, set for Friday afternoon, would have given the organisation exclusive use of the 25‑metre outdoor pool before it reopened to the public later that evening.

The decision came after the organisers received threatening emails and online messages that they said jeopardised the participants’ physical and psychological safety. The cancellation has drawn sharp criticism from right‑wing politicians, who argue the move discriminates against other Berlin residents.

Background to the swim programme

The Volksbad pool, installed in front of the Volksbühne theatre as a free summer amenity, has regularly been booked by community groups such as the youth‑social‑work organisation Gangway and the river‑swim initiative Flussbad Berlin. EOTO’s event was the first to attract a wave of hostile reactions, including accusations of “apartheid” from far‑right figures.

We are no longer confident that the children’s physical and psychological safety can be guaranteed,

The group said in a statement released alongside the cancellation notice.

Political fallout and next steps

Alice Weidel, leader of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), condemned the event as “apartheid”, while Aileen Weibeler, a Berlin Christian Democrat (CDU) district councillor, claimed she felt discriminated against because she could not use the pool during the reserved hours. Both comments sparked a lively discussion on social media, with Weibeler’s Instagram video attracting thousands of replies.

The theatre’s artistic director, Matthias Lilienthal, defended the original intent, saying the venue sought to support “structurally disadvantaged groups”. He and the Volksbühne reiterated that guest and staff protection remains their top priority.

City officials have yet to announce whether the pool will host a similar programme later in the summer. In the meantime, the episode has been featured in Friday's German news roundup, underscoring the growing tension around public‑space usage and anti‑racist initiatives.

As the debate continues, community groups are urging the city to find a way to guarantee safety without curbing inclusive activities, a challenge that may shape Berlin’s summer programming for months to come.