Syrians in Sinzig: Refugees help Germans rebuild after devastating floods | DW Documentary

Summary

In July last year, devastating floods hit the Ahr Valley in western Germany. A unique aid campaign was launched by Syrian volunteers in Germany, who called for support in Arabic. Hundreds of Syrians responded, offering disaster relief. These volunteers, experienced in war and disaster, formed bonds with flood victims and some even moved to the valley. They now use their network to assist Ukrainian refugees. Their efforts have not only helped rebuild the community but also changed perceptions, demonstrating resilience and solidarity across borders.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The R Valley in western Germany experienced devastating floods in July of the previous year, affecting hundreds of households and causing widespread destruction.
• 🤝 Syrian volunteers in Germany launched a unique aid campaign to support the flood victims, leveraging their own experiences with disasters and war.
• 📢 The group put out a call in Arabic for additional support, which was answered by hundreds of Syrians across Germany, showing a strong sense of community and solidarity.
• 🏠 Syrians formed bonds with the flood victims and some are now moving to the valley themselves, integrating into the community they helped rebuild.
• 👥 Anas Al-Akhad, a co-founder of Syrian Volunteers in Germany, is moving to Zinsi, showing the personal commitment and investment in the community's recovery.
• 🚑 Anas, who is also a paramedic, recently assisted Ukrainian refugees, demonstrating the versatility and ongoing commitment of the Syrian volunteers to help those in need.
• 🔄 The Syrian volunteers are now using their disaster relief network to coordinate aid for Ukraine, highlighting the expansion of their humanitarian efforts beyond the initial flood relief.
• 🏗 Abdul Moyn Bakhan, known as Hercules, runs a construction and gardening company and is helping with the rebuilding efforts in Zinsi, showing the practical skills brought by the volunteers.
• 💰 There is a major housing shortage in Zinsi since the flooding, with many people still living in temporary accommodations like camper vans, indicating the scale of the disaster's impact.
• 🤝 The Syrian volunteers were initially met with skepticism but eventually gained the trust and gratitude of the local residents, changing perceptions and fostering a sense of community.
• 🌱 The volunteers aim to restore the town's old charm and provide hope to the residents, in contrast to the despair they have experienced in Syria where rebuilding seems impossible.
• 🔄 The collaborative space in Zinsi became an organizational hub during the flooding, serving as a meeting point and shelter for helpers, symbolizing the community's resilience and cooperation.

Q & A

What was the unique aid campaign launched in response to the flooding in the Ahr Valley in Western Germany?

The unique aid campaign was launched by a group called Syrian Volunteers in Germany, who put out a call in Arabic for extra support. Hundreds of Syrians across Germany responded to help flood victims.

Why do the Syrian volunteers believe they are better equipped to deal with disasters compared to many Germans?

The Syrian volunteers believe they are better equipped to deal with disasters because they have extensive experience with disasters and war, having survived such conditions themselves.

How have some of the Syrian volunteers formed bonds with the flood victims in the Ahr Valley?

Some of the Syrian volunteers have formed bonds with the flood victims by pitching in for months to help with recovery efforts and have even moved to the valley themselves.

What is Anas Al-Akhad's role and current situation mentioned in the script?

Anas Al-Akhad is a co-founder of Syrian Volunteers in Germany. He is moving to Zinsi but will only be there partially until he finishes his business degree in Zabriken.

What new initiative are the Syrian volunteers involved in, and how does it relate to their past experiences?

The Syrian volunteers are now using their network from the Ahr Valley disaster relief campaign to coordinate aid for Ukraine. This initiative relates to their past experiences as they understand the needs of refugees, having been refugees themselves.

How did the residents of Zinzig respond to the Syrian volunteers' help during the flood recovery?

Many residents of Zinzig were amazed and grateful for the Syrian volunteers' help. Some residents had their perceptions changed, expressing surprise and appreciation for the Syrians' care and assistance.

What are the current living conditions in Zinzig following the flooding?

Many homes in Zinzig were completely destroyed by the flood, and many residents are still living in camper vans or other towns until their houses are habitable again.

What are the goals of the Syrian volunteers as they continue their work in Zinzig?

The Syrian volunteers aim to restore the town's old charm and help rebuild it. They also want to continue aiding other areas in need, like Ukraine, and hope to make their disaster relief efforts a profession.

What challenges are mentioned regarding the reconstruction efforts in Zinzig?

One challenge mentioned is the high cost of reconstruction, with an example of Abdul being appalled by the price charged for repair work. Additionally, there are issues with the quality of work done by some workers.

How has the experience of volunteering in disaster relief impacted the Syrian volunteers personally?

Volunteering in disaster relief has helped the Syrian volunteers feel stronger and find their place in society. It has also provided them with a sense of purpose and the ability to contribute positively to their new communities.