Palestinians in Berlin: freedom of expression, estrangement and empathy. How do people feel in the Palestinian community?

Palestinians in Berlin: freedom of expression, estrangement and empathy. How do people feel in the Palestinian community?

According to a report by www.berliner-zeitung.de, many Palestinians have been living in various countries since the foundation of Israel and the first Arabic-Israeli war in 1948, including in Berlin. Estimates assume that between 30,000 and 40,000 people in Berlin are part of the Palestinian community. These people have family members who have fled several times or have been stateless because they have never been naturalized in their refuge countries.

The latest conflict in Israel and Gaza calls for reactions and empathy, but many in the Palestinian community in Berlin feel abandoned by the German media and the government. Among other circumstances, they could expect support from political representatives, but the politician Sawsan Chebli and other possible conversation partners do not seem to be ready for dialogue.

mahmud, a social worker from Berlin, feels great alienation, anger and grief, not only with yourself, but also with many other people from Muslim and migrant communities. He feels a cold and empathy with the Palestinian victims and criticizes that Germany has found itself in the UN with regard to humanitarian aid for Gaza.

Esra, a 20-year-old student from Berlin, criticizes that the German government does not take enough to stop dying in Gaza and that demos were banned. She no longer feels safe in Germany and says that many have the feeling that she is no longer allowed to say everything so as not to lose her work.

Leila, a student from Texas, who is currently in Berlin, reports of her grief and difficulties that the conflict brings. She wishes that the German government is committed to a ceasefire.

Overall, this report shows that the Palestinian community in Berlin and elsewhere feel deep despair and incomprehension in view of the conflict in Gaza and the lack of support from the German government and the media. There is an urgent need for empathy and political support for those affected by the ongoing conflict.