Category Archives: refugees

Berlin, new writer, refugees, society

CHRISTMAS WISHES

Leave a comment

As we draw to the close of a very disturbing year in terms of global history, I would like to wish you a peaceful Christmas and all the best for 2017.

I am personally looking forward to having time off work and being able to spend more time with my children. This year, I have also decided to make a real effort to be more aware of those for whom Christmas is a challenging time of year. For those who have been affected by so-called natural disasters or acts of war or violence. For those going through separation, loneliness or bereavement. For those living on the street and those who have to work hard over the Christmas period.

My work colleagues and I have just come up with the following suggestions, most of which require no money:

  • just smile and share a short encouragement with the elderly lady you see at the bus stop or the stressed out cashier in the supermarket
  • call in on a neighbour who lives alone
  • send an e-mail to a long-lost friend, former school teacher or colleague
  • help out in a soup kitchen or offer to help refugees.
  • take a small gift of chocolates or flowers to show your appreciation either to a stranger or person living alone or going through a hard time.

Take care and I’ll write again after Christmas. It’s also my birthday on New Year’s Eve. I’m looking to that, I think …

Berlin, European Union, new writer, politics, refugees, society, tourism, war

Berliner

Leave a comment

It has taken me a couple of days to write again. I have been so upset by what has happened in my city, even though we are still waiting for details to emerge.

Last night I went to the Breitscheidplatz Christmas market which is right next to where I used to live. There was an eery silence while hundreds of people laid flowers and lit candles. Very faintly in the background I could hear Christmas music and a vacuous sermon from the Gedächtniskirche, totally out of kilter with the prevailing mourning.

When I went into the KDW, the largest department store in the EU, it was empty. Three days before Christmas. Surreal.

My main concern is the sadness for those who had their lives so unexpectedly and tragically taken from them, for the injured and for all those who are close to them. This tragedy will affect the most relaxed capital city in Europe for many years.

My secondary concern is that a possible act of terrorism will achieve the goals of those who carry it out. Society becomes divided. Acts of mercy are described as treachery. Racism rules. Trust is undermined. Faiths are divided although believers worship the same God. An ominous fear prevails. Democracy is hijacked by extremists.

This morning on the way to work there was a very large holdall unattended on the station platform. As I got nearer, an Asian guy approached it and I asked him if it was his. “Yes,” he replied. For the first time in my life I realized that the question was meaningless: if he was a suicide bomber, it would make no difference.

On the train, I then read about that (excuse me) fucking idiot, Nigel Farage, saying that this event in Berlin was Angela Merkel’s fault. Horst Seehofer and the AfD are following suit.

In Berlin we have the first ever ruling red-red-green coalition. Last week, it looked as if Berlin was going to pioneer the political future model for Germany. As just one minor example: they have up-to-now rightly stood against increased video surveillance of our city. Will all that change now?

I hope against hope that my adopted city and country will not give in to the aims of terrorism. I hope that democracy and freedom and racial tolerance will prevail. And I trust that, in spite of all current appearances, the pen will triumph over the gun.

 

Berlin, European Union, new writer, prison, refugees

40,00€ better off

Leave a comment

After my blog post yesterday I felt truly challenged as to where to start. Joining Amnesty International was easy. But what next?

Then, waiting for the bus to go home, I noticed a family of refugees (mum, dad and three children) with their entire belongings crammed into a mix of suitcases and ikea holdalls, standing at the same bus stop. As the bus arrived and they struggled to get on board through the rear doors, I helped them to carry their bags.

On the bus the most amazing conversation took place. With the help of hands and feet, broken English, Google translator and a phone call to my Syrian fiend, Mariana, they told me in 8 minutes their very disturbing story as to how they reached Berlin from Syria. I discovered from them that there is even a harrowing website that helps refugees to cross the Mediterranean.

Apart from their tangible mixture of relief and uncertainty, they were not sure how to get to the refugee camp near Spandau. I told them that I would accompany them to the camp.

As we got off the bus, a young German woman said that she would come with us and wanted to help. So she accompanied us and showed deep interest in their story. When we arrived at the entrance to the, to me, somewhat intimidating camp, I asked our German friend to explain everything to the surly entrance guard.

As we said good-bye and exchanged phone numbers, I looked  in my wallet and found 40,00€. I quickly folded it into four and gave it to the oldest daughter as we said farewell. The daughter immediately gave it to her mother, who broke down in tears.

As we left the camp entrance, the young German asked me to go for a coffee. I agree. We go to YE-MC, who serve the best Döner in the whole of Berlin. She tells me that she is a humanist studying theology, currently making her way through her doctoral thesis on the social construction of God.

During the intense dialogue, we both agree to teach German to refugees as our initial contribution to the situation. This morning we have just registered and have found out that we will start before Christmas.

So I have learnt that taking positive action to help others is an incredible investment in humanity. When you make the decision to engage, what you receive is unintentionally so much greater than what you give. I feel encouraged. As Mother Theresa said: “If we can all do small things with much love, we as individuals can change the world.”

Links:

How to volunteer to help refugees