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.

Outlines

00:00

🌊 Syrian Volunteers Assist Flood Victims in Germany

In July of last year, the Ahr Valley in western Germany experienced devastating flooding. In response, a unique aid campaign was launched by the Syrian Volunteers in Germany, who quickly mobilized hundreds of Syrians to assist the flood victims. Drawing on their experiences with disasters and war, they were well-equipped to provide effective aid. Anas al-Akhad, a co-founder of the group and a paramedic, is moving to the valley to further assist and coordinate aid efforts. The Syrian volunteers have also extended their aid to Ukrainian refugees, using their established network from the flood relief campaign.

05:00

🏚️ Ongoing Recovery and Challenges in Zinzig

The destructive force of the Ahr River flooding shocked both residents and volunteers alike. Many homes in Zinzig were completely destroyed, leaving residents living in temporary accommodations. The Syrian volunteers have been instrumental in the recovery efforts, challenging stereotypes and forming bonds with the local community. Despite the ongoing challenges, the volunteers continue to provide crucial assistance, such as checking structural integrity and offering free repairs, while the town slowly rebuilds.

10:01

🏠 Building New Lives and Community in Zinzig

Faris, a digital media designer and member of the Syrian Volunteers, sees Zinzig as a place of hope. He aims to professionalize their volunteer efforts, leveraging data collected during their campaigns to aid Ukrainian refugees. The volunteers’ experiences have solidified their commitment to creating a better world. Abdul, who lost his family in Syria, finds the war in Ukraine particularly upsetting but remains dedicated to helping others. The volunteers hope their actions inspire others and demonstrate the strength found in aiding those in need.

Keywords

💡Flooding

Flooding refers to an overflow of water that submerges land which is usually dry. In the context of the video, it is the devastating event that struck the R valley in western Germany, causing widespread destruction and leading to the unique aid campaign by Syrian volunteers. The term is used to describe the natural disaster that initiated the series of events and responses depicted in the video.

💡Syrian Volunteers in Germany

This term refers to a group of Syrian individuals living in Germany who organized themselves to provide aid and support. They are central to the video's narrative as they are shown responding to the flooding disaster and later extending their help to Ukrainian refugees. The group exemplifies the spirit of solidarity and the capacity of refugees to contribute positively to their host communities.

💡Disaster Relief

Disaster relief involves the provision of aid and services to assist individuals and communities affected by disasters like floods. The video highlights the disaster relief efforts of the Syrian volunteers in the R valley, showcasing their experience and effectiveness in dealing with such crises, which is deeply tied to the theme of resilience and community support.

💡Experience

In the video, experience is portrayed as the knowledge and skills gained through involvement in similar situations in the past. The Syrian volunteers claim to have more experience with disasters and war, which better equips them to deal with the flooding situation compared to those who haven't faced such events. This concept is used to underscore the volunteers' ability to provide effective aid.

💡Refugees

Refugees are individuals who have been forced to flee their country to escape war, persecution, or natural disasters. The video features Syrian refugees who, despite their own displacement, actively participate in helping others in need. The term is used to illustrate the compassionate actions of the Syrian volunteers and to challenge common misconceptions about refugees.

💡Zinzi

Zinzi is the name of the town in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate where the Syrian volunteers are relocating and helping with reconstruction. It serves as a specific location in the video that exemplifies the broader theme of rebuilding and community integration. The town's recovery from the flood is a central part of the narrative.

💡Paramedic

A paramedic is a healthcare professional who provides emergency medical services. In the video, Anas Al-Akhad, a co-founder of Syrian Volunteers in Germany, is also a paramedic who has assisted Ukrainian refugees. This term is used to highlight the diverse skills and contributions of the volunteers beyond just physical labor.

💡Housing Shortage

Housing shortage describes a situation where there is an insufficient supply of housing to meet the demand. The video mentions a major housing shortage in Zinzi following the flooding, with many people still living in temporary accommodations like camper vans. This term is integral to understanding the ongoing challenges faced by the community post-disaster.

💡Community

Community refers to a group of people living in the same place or having common interests. The video emphasizes the transformation of the Zinzi community through the interactions with Syrian volunteers, who have helped to foster a more open and friendly environment. The term is used to convey the social impact of the volunteers' work.

💡Co-working Space

A co-working space is a shared workspace that allows individuals to work independently while being part of a community. In the video, the co-working space in Zinzi became an organizational hub during the flooding, serving as a meeting point for helpers. This term illustrates the collaborative aspect of the disaster response and recovery efforts.

💡Digital Media Designer

A digital media designer is a professional who creates and manipulates visual content using digital technology. Ferris, one of the Syrian volunteers, is a digital media designer who aspires to turn the volunteer disaster relief group into a professional organization. This term is used to show the diverse backgrounds and aspirations of the volunteers, as well as their potential to contribute to society in various ways.

Highlights

In July of last year, the R Valley in western Germany was hit by devastating flooding.

A unique aid campaign was launched by Syrian volunteers in Germany to support flood victims.

Hundreds of Syrians from across Germany answered the call to help, leveraging their experience with disasters and war.

Syrian volunteers formed bonds with flood victims and some are now moving to the valley themselves.

Anas Al-Akhad, a co-founder of Syrian Volunteers in Germany, is moving to Zinsi while finishing his business degree.

Syrian volunteers now use their disaster relief network to coordinate aid for Ukraine, drawing parallels to their own escape to safety.

The damaged housing situation in Zinsi has led to a shortage, with many living in camper vans or other towns.

Syrian volunteers were initially met with skepticism but eventually gained the trust and gratitude of the local community.

Abdul Moyn Bakhan, known as Hercules, runs a construction and gardening company and helps manage it with the help of his friends.

The Syrian volunteers' mission is to restore the town's old charm, providing hope to the residents.

The collaborative space in Zinsi became an organizational hub during the flooding, facilitating meetings, meals, and rest for helpers.

The Syrian volunteers have made friends and changed the community's perception of refugees and newcomers.

Ferris, a digital media designer, dreams of turning the volunteer disaster relief group into a professional organization.

The Syrian volunteers have created digital forms and collected data to assist in helping Ukrainian refugees.

Abdul was deeply affected by the war in Ukraine, having lost his family in Syria, and questions the motives behind the conflict.

Helping others has empowered the volunteers and helped them find their place in society, inspiring them to continue contributing wherever needed.

Transcripts

in july of last year there was mud here

everywhere the r valley in western

germany was hit by devastating flooding

in just a matter of days a unique aid

campaign was launched the group syrian

volunteers in germany put a call out in

arabic for extra support and hundreds of

syrians from across germany answered the

call to help flood victims

we have more experience than germans

when it comes to disasters and war

we've been through it all and survived

so we're better equipped to deal with it

than many who haven't yet faced these

things

[Music]

nestled in the ah valley a group of

syrians pitched in for months they

formed bonds with the flood victims and

now some of these helpers are moving to

the valley themselves

[Music]

anas al-akhad is moving to zinsi today

or at least partially

until he finishes his business degree in

zabriken

he's a co-founder of syrian volunteers

in germany and has yet to visit his new

home

he just knows his friend abdul already

lives there

i'm all worked up where will i shower

where will i cook or do my shopping

but he's excited too

is also a paramedic

and recently assisted ukrainian refugees

the syrian volunteers now use the

network from their disaster relief

campaign in the r valley to coordinate

aid for ukraine

it really reminded me of my own escape

to safety

and my experience helps enable me to

provide assistance to these people

for this loiter to lie

he picked up refugees in this bus now

he's using it to move house

during the drive he keeps getting calls

to organize more aid transports for

ukraine

and now the team can take on other tasks

throughout europe

and why not

it's our goal to help out in ukraine and

wherever else we can

he thinks it will need to be torn down

the damaged house is just a temporary

solution there's been a major housing

shortage in zinzi since the flooding

anasa's friend faris alaham already

lives in zinsi and is helping him move

in

yo let's get

this will be fine for now

until we've set up our headquarters

anyway headquarters

abdul moyn bakhan is there now too

his friends call him hercules because

he's so strong and hercules is also the

name of his construction and gardening

company

his two friends help him manage the

business since he's still learning

german

he previously worked in cottbus in

eastern germany for four years

but had difficulties settling in

no one would speak german with him there

but things are different here in zinzig

because i found the people here so nice

and friendly

of course i was helping them

but that's normal

when you see what other people are going

through it makes your own troubles seem

less dramatic

the residents of zintsik weren't the

only ones shocked by the destructive

force this small river unleashed the

volunteers were taken aback as well

it was terrible

there was mud absolutely everywhere

destruction everywhere

wood asphalt and all kinds of things

like that stuff over there

the flooding affected 650 households in

zinsi

many homes were completely destroyed by

the sheer force of the ah river and not

all of them were able to be rebuilt many

people are still living in camper vans

or other towns until their houses are

habitable again

many residents were amazed by this

syrian volunteers

when

many people think those poor refugees

are always in need of help

and then refugees show up right at your

doorstep asking how can i help you

i'll give you

many of them cried and said we had a

different image of you

we didn't expect you to be so caring and

helpful

and we're sorry we had that kind of

image of you uh that's we

is just one of the flood victims the

syrian trio and their colleagues helped

they tore off all the plaster in her

basement she is still deeply grateful

we had a lot of phone numbers we could

have called but the syrian construction

crew was a real life saver and pitched

in at short notice

her house is still uninhabitable today

we had hoped we could at least live on

the upper floor while the cleanup and

restoration work was going on but we

were mistaken because the waters of the

r river had penetrated into the floor

making everything muddy here

abdul is tapping on the walls to check

for any cavities he's not happy with the

job the workers are doing so far

54 euros per square meter oh my god

abdul is appalled by the price she's

being charged so he offers his pets to

fix up her garden for free

[Music]

the syrians want to restore the town's

old charm that's their mission

here the people have reason for hope you

can do something and rebuild but in

syria that would be impossible

we have cities that are completely

destroyed

there's no hope left there like there is

here

now that winter has passed construction

work is on the way again

anas has another call there are more

ukrainian refugees in need of

transportation

the syrian refugees network is in great

demand these days

about 18 000 people live in the town of

zinzig in the german state of

rhineland-palatinate

the collaborative space co-working in

zinzig became an organizational hub

during the flooding

here helpers met up ate meals

and slept in close quarters for weeks

the syrian helpers are just arriving

back at the co-working space

and they're happy to see their old

colleague jennifer fleisher again things

have calmed down a bit in the r valley

the worst of the disaster is behind them

the syrians have made friends during

their time here and the residents of

zinsi did too but not everyone was so

open to the syrian volunteers from the

beginning

some people really had to test the

waters

and were really cautious

but in the end i got very positive

feedback and they were glad to have the

syrian volunteers as help

and it changed since he has a community

the people of zinsi treat each other

much differently now and that's really

nice they're way friendlier and not so

skeptical towards new people or others

i have the feeling they're much more

open now

wherever i look there's a memory

truly in every square inch

we've had so many talks shared so many

nice moments and laughter together it's

a really nice place

ferris has lived in a studio apartment

in zinzig since the beginning of the

year and for him it's a place of hope

the digital media designer wants to

further develop his work

the dream is to turn the volunteer

disaster relief group into a profession

through the syrian volunteers in germany

campaign or the flood relief campaign

we've created numerous digital forms and

collected statistical and analytical

data

and they're using this data to help

ukrainian refugees too because now

they're the ones fleeing from bombs

ferris and anas can take stock of their

vast network how many helpers have time

and when

who has a driver's license who can drive

a truck

their designated headquarters may be at

a house that's set to be demolished but

their experiences have bolstered them in

their dream of a better world especially

now the war in ukraine is upsetting to

abdul in particular he lost his entire

family in syria in a chlorine gas attack

or all these people waging war in syria

i don't know

but the same thing is happening now in

ukraine

why is putin waging war

why

while we were filming anas explained how

helping makes you feel stronger and find

your place in society

just like these volunteers who have

found a new home they hope to lead by

example and keep pitching in wherever

they're needed

[Music]

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