Riot in Eldena: Attempted arbitration after fighting with Syrians!

Riot in Eldena: Attempted arbitration after fighting with Syrians!

in Eldena, a small town in northern Germany, has been bubbling under the surface for several months. What started with a harmless argument between two ten -year -old children on June 27 quickly escalated into a tangible fight that got involved in the village community and a Syrian family in a heated conflict.
The situation has spoiled itself in such a way that the police had to move. She came with two patrol cars and had to take care of a slightly injured person and several criminal complaints. In a letter to the villagers, the Syrian family expressed that they would experience racist attacks in their neighborhood, which further fueled the tensions. Mayor Oliver and police chief Gilbert Küchler then spoke out for an arbitration interview that took place in a parish room.

tense conversations

In this arbitration discussion, the mood was anything but relaxed. Allegations were loud on both sides. The Syrian family reported nocturnal harassment and insults, while the German neighbors complained about fears of their children. An agreement initially failed due to the deeply rooted differences, but in the end the head of the Syrian family expressed the desire to be left alone - a demand that was also supported by the German neighbors. Despite the discussions initiated, the Syrian family is considering selling their house and leaving Eldena. As much as everyone strives for a solution, many questions remain and worry.

The arbitration round was considered success, but there are doubts about how sustainable peace in this small village is. The problem that appears here is not new. Racism and prejudices towards migrants are commonplace in Germany, as is elsewhere. A survey by the Institute for Interdisciplinary Conflict and Violence Research shows that around half of the German reservations to keep the cultural identity of immigrants. At a time when the understanding of diversity grows, part of the society remains shaped by fears and prejudices. Corona pandemic also influenced the attitudes to immigration and integration.

racism and integration in focus

According to a study, 62% of those surveyed are of the opinion that the increasing diversity in Germany is to be assessed positively, but at the same time the approval of assimilation also grew, while acceptance for maintaining cultural peculiarities. 33% of immigrants report frequent racist insults. Andreas Zick, director of the IKG, emphasizes that racism brakes the integration process massively.

racism in post -migrant society is multifaceted and mainly affects migrants. In Germany, over 21 million people live with a migration background. It is regrettable that the conviction is often missing to raise the same acceptance for different cultural identities. Again and again racism is considered a cognitive phenomenon that, depending on the social context, manifests itself differently.

The village community in Eldena has the chance to learn from this painful experience. A real dialogue about fears and prejudices can be the first step into a harmonious coexistence. The recipe for success? Understanding the experiences of everyone involved and the courage to face the difficult topics. If this succeeds, Eldena could not only go into the history books as a place of tensions, but as an example of successful integration.

Erkan Dogan, the kebab operator in the village, illustrates a positive view of integration by reporting on his own experiences. While his family has not experienced racist attacks, the entire social challenge remains. Racism must not be part of the social norm, and it is up to all of us to change this - for a quieter Eldena and a more tolerant Germany.

The situation from Eldena is a current case that reflects the challenges of a diverse society and once again underlines the need for constructive coexistence. The path to integration is long and stony, but together you can achieve great things.

For further information on the background and the social relevance of racism and integration, we recommend a look at the article by Nordkurier Racism of Uni Bielefeld and the Federal Center for Political Education .