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Helping refugees in Germany

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September 3, 2016

Hostility towards refugees in Eastern Germany is widespread and has seen some particularly ugly attacks on asylum seekers' hostels. Volunteers also face stiff opposition. But Jürgen Grunow likes helping, despite the difficulties.

In August 2015 hundreds of right-wing extremists tried to stop refugees moving into a makeshift shelter in the eastern German town of Heidenau. The violent mob went on the rampage for several days, blocking off streets, throwing projectiles at police officers and the few demonstrators who had come to oppose them. The refugees were only able to move into the hostel in a former home store under heavy police guard. Despite the hostility, Jürgen Grunow helped the new arrivals from the outset. He still has contact with many of them, although many have now been forced to move elsewhere. For him they've become part of the family. And without his help they would have to face the rejection and hostility of many in the region alone.

Dealing with Intolerance - Helping Refugees in Germany
Report by Viktoria Kleber

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