Giessen, Germany—At an International Café program organized by UPF, a family from Syria recounted the process of settling into their new country.
The event, which took place on Sunday, March 26, 2017, was the year’s first International Café program held by the Giessen chapter of UPF.
The father, Hassan Mescho, who had been a lawyer in his homeland, set off in 2013 on an adventurous and arduous journey. After traveling through the Balkan Peninsula, he finally reached Germany, where he applied for refugee status. Eventually he was joined by his wife and four children.
The whole family attended courses in German language and integration. Mr. Mescho is now employed as a taxi driver, and his son has started studying at the Technical University. The whole family is very grateful to be here, which Mr. Mescho expressed in the following words:
“We have never before experienced such friendliness and helpfulness as we have here in Germany. We have experienced much that we did not have, or never knew, in our own country. For this, I wish, also in the name of my family, to express my gratitude. We all have the goal of becoming quickly integrated into this free and beautiful culture.”
It was clear that the report stimulated great interest and sympathy from the audience, who had many questions. A lively discussion continued over coffee and cake.
The energetic young Syrians in the audience then offered to demonstrate dances from their country, inviting the Germans to join them. This was great fun and brought a lively spirit. This afternoon showed concretely how successful integration can be of enormous benefit to all.