January 11, 2017
In 2015 close to 1.000.000 asylum seekers arrived in Germany. Those numbers decreased to 280.000 in 2016. This decrease was caused by the closing of the borders that the refugees had to traverse in order to get to Germany. It was also influenced by the deal with Turkey to keep masses of refugees there (a deal that is haunting us today given the developments regarding violations of human rights and attacks on democracy in post-coup Ankara.)
Refugees, even in smaller numbers, still need housing, work, financial support and schooling in language and culture. I am truly astonished how many average citizens of Hamburg are involved in volunteering and donating to all of these aspects of integration. I visited a donation station and was impressed. I heard from friends how many of their immediate surround is and has been involved for years now in teaching German, helping in soup kitchens and the like.
There are, however, things that I found even more astonishing. Cultural institutions lend their space, even have it remodeled, for the temporary housing of those fleeing war and destruction. A well known theater across the central train station, for example, allowed people to crash for the night there if they were stranded upon arrival.
The Hamburg Museum for Industry housed Syrian mothers and children or pregnant women in a refurbished factory hall that used to be – and now will be again – an exhibition site. Clearly good news. (The museum is worth a visit in any case, always interesting shows.)
Let’s not talk about the bad news today, the ever increasing populist movement and power grab, the xenophobia and crime against those seeking safety.
Ad for a public discussion of the rise of rightwing populism in Germany and Europe.
Blabla alone has never accomplished anything. Don’t just talk, act.
Smash the G20 – enemies of freedom are our enemies as well.
I will report more on both aspects in my artist talk on February 5th for the Refugees’ Dream exhibit at Cameraworks. Don’t forget to save the date!
