Hello dear friends.
My trip is coming to an end. It has been over two months that I have been working here with refugees. It is a very sad state of affairs.
As I speak, 28 Kurdish refugees (from Syria) are being held on the border from Turkey to Greece. They are women and children and they are being starved out and not allowed to cross into Greece even though EU law states they have to be recognized as legitimate refugees and registered for asylum. https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1176658/28-migrants-trapped-on-evros-islet-rescued/
In February three refugees were thrown off a boat by the Samos Hellenic Coast Guard. Two drown and fortunately, the one who knew how to swim, made it back to Turkey and was able to share the horrors of what happened.
Volunteers helping refugees with food, clothing, etc. are being prosecuted as aiding and abetting illegals…not just in Greece but all over Europe. If you Google “volunteers prosecuted for aiding refugees” you will find pages of reports. It is one of the reasons I work with an NGO here…it provides protection.
Two weeks ago, I learned of refugees being held hostage as indentured slaves working on a strawberry farm in the south of Greece. I knew some of them from four years ago at Moria Camp. They contacted me. I borrowed my friend’s car and drove 6 hours to rescue them. They were hiding out in the forest and thankfully had a phone and gave me their GPS location. Promised 15euros a day for 12 hours work under the hot sun, they are then charged daily 5euros for water, 3euros for a place on the ground to sleep, 2euros to charge their phones, 3euros for a stale loaf of bread. So, in the end, they earn nothing and cannot legitimately escape or they are threatened with having the police called on them. I have now made 4 trips back and forth to rescue those who have been able to escape, and nightly think of those I can’t save.
Still buying tons of socks, underwear to donate and give out as well as direct money donations to refugees in need. I am witnessing many families (Syrians, Kurdish and Afghanis) on the street begging for help. I honestly feel horrible openly handing money to refugees in need as their pride is already shattered and I don’t want to play “God”. I always say it is for their children and hand them money wadded up as I shake their hand goodbye. Many have reciprocated with food, scarves, herbs they have picked…anything they have…and always embraces…anything to show their appreciation.
In class (I am now teaching English for children as well as an Advanced English class for adults),…I asked one boy if he could have one wish, what would it be? He paused, took a deep breath and said “to forget”. Yes, I wish I could wave a magic wand.
But, I still love it here. I feel so connected to humanity and honestly dread returning to my home, living behind a closed door and fearing all the crime on the streets. One amazing thing about this country is that there is so little crime…maybe pickpocketing, but no one has guns, attack in gangs, etc.
Some photos:
