Ice cream for everyone! Pensioner fights against injustice in Neubrandenburg

Ice cream for everyone! Pensioner fights against injustice in Neubrandenburg

In Neubrandenburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, a reader experienced an event on August 13, 2025 that had a strong impact on her and sharpened her view of the topic of charity. Together with her husband, they were enjoying an ice cream in their favorite ice cream parlor in the Kulturpark when an after-school group with children aged six to nine entered the ice cream parlor. The teacher in this group asked the children to go to the ice cream parlor with money while the other children went to the playground. However, around six children had no money and were therefore left empty-handed.

The reader found this situation unfair and offered the teacher to buy ice cream for the childless children. To her disappointment, the teacher reacted negatively and explained that the children would not get any ice cream. This decision was difficult for the reader, especially when she noticed that a girl in the group was crying, which further increased her anger. Alternative solutions were suggested, such as collecting money for all children or having the reader pay directly, but none of these ideas were heard.

Criticism of a lack of charity

The reader expressed her disappointment at the lack of charity in this situation. Charity, a central concept in Christianity as well as ethics, calls us to help our fellow human beings. This love encompasses all people, regardless of origin, religion or social status, and is discussed in the Bible in the “commandment of love” in Matthew 22:37-40. Jesus himself taught believers to also do good deeds to enemies, which further broadens the understanding of charity.

The situation in Neubrandenburg was a practical example of the challenge of dealing with the ethics of charity. Despite the opportunity to help the children in need, it was not taken. Historically, theologians such as Augustine of Hippo and Thomas Aquinas contributed to the development of the concept of charity.

Social responsibility and challenges

Charity has not only spiritual but also social implications. The current discussion emphasizes the importance of viewing social justice as part of charity, as highlighted by 20th century Protestant theology. Christian organizations worldwide are committed to humanitarian aid, peace work and supporting disadvantaged groups.

The positive impact of charity on communities and individual well-being is self-evident, but there are also criticisms to consider, such as the possible selective exercise of this ethic. While the reader fought directly against injustice that day, charity reminds us that within each of us lies the potential to do good for others, regardless of the circumstances. Future challenges will be how we implement charity in an increasingly digital world while advocating for social justice.

For more on the ethical aspects of charity in Christianity read das-wissen.de. For more information about the incident in Neubrandenburg, visit schwaebische.de.