Syrian refugees took part in the welcoming ceremony of a new Torah Scroll in the synagogue of the Orthodox Jewish community of Berlin.

During the ceremony, led by Rabbi Yehuda Teichtal, Rabbi of the Jewish Community of Berlin, torches were held by children of the local Jewish community and by Syrian refugee children.

The festive night was followed by a parade through the city streets carrying the new Torah scroll, calling out in the name of tolerance and love, freedom and hope.

"We seek to live our lives in peace" said Rabbi Teichtal as he addressed 150 members of the Jewish community who joined the march along with the honored guests and the ten refugee children and their families. He called for unity in light of the upcoming state elections in Berlin on September 18.

Directing his words to the Syrian refugee children, he said : "It is an honor for me you joined us today and celebrated with us. God has brought us all to this part of the world. I wish that we all do our best to allow us all to live in love and peace together".

"The Torah teaches us to love humanity as a whole and to always reach out to those in need", he added. "Unfortunately, we have been witnessing those who try and spread out hate while taking advantage of the fear and disorder feelings of this time. This kind of manner is one far from the Jewish customs and Jewish values,’’ Rabbi Teichtal said.

‘’We mustn't forget that regardless of the time, and no matter what the political arguments are, we must unite as a whole and together look forward to a time of peace".

"This parade today is an alliance between God and us all to live our lives together in harmony" concluded Rabbi Teichtal.

The welcoming of the 10th Torah scroll to the community came as Rabbi Teichtal celebrates 20 years of communal work at the Jewish community of Berlin.