Just do it "or how a toothbrush helps refugees

2015

My social networks are full of calls to donate and do things to help refugees. Every day, I read phrases such as "toothbrushes are still needed" or "who is overseeing the playground at the refugee shelter?" And of course I donate and try to help.

A little break from escape: Refugee children bathing in the Elbe
Photo: Georg E. Moeller / Facebook

But what brings to a man who has fled war, poverty and immense suffering when I give him a toothbrush? The answer is so simple, but equally important: a piece of humanity.

This hatred shocks me

It's not just me, but many of my friends too: we are shocked by the hatred and lack of understanding that refugees receive in many parts of Germany. Two armed men ambush accommodation in Parchim, in Heidenau the same refugee shelter is attacked night after night.

I can not imagine what it must be like to flee a country because there is war there and arrive in Germany and also to be so afraid. Many people from war zones - such as in Syria - are traumatized because bombs fell on their homes. What happens to them in some parts of Germany must be like a terrible deja vu.

And that's exactly why a toothbrush is important. As banal as this object is, it means something. And that there are people in Germany who think differently. They do not go out at night and attack refugee homes on fire. These people try - even a tiny little thing - to do something good.

"Just do it"

And sometimes it is just so easy : This is shown by the example of Georg E. Moeller from Hamburg: He invited 10 refugee children to a barbecue on the Elbe. Just like that and without much effort: "Just do it, Stefanie and I said, we'll do it easy and then: Just drive out there, around the corner, where Hamburg is tender to its people, where souls can dangle and stupid thoughts Floating down the river like old wood. "

And that's exactly how we can make it EASY : not everyone has to organize a barbecue or donate toothbrushes. It is enough to welcome a person who has fled his own country. And if it happens in the simplest way in the world with a simple, friendly "hello, how are you?" You can also do a lot with it.

A big thank you to Georg E. Moeller. You did well!