Dortmund revives the slogan "We can pull it off!" and the iconic comeback of 2015
In the heart of Dortmund, a city with a rich history of being a sanctuary for newly arrived people, a column was unveiled in front of the Dietrich-Keuning-Haus as a poignant reminder of its past. This symbol serves as a testament to the city's humanitarian spirit, which shone particularly bright during the 2015 refugee crisis.
The influx of refugees in September 2015 was unprecedented. Over 165,000 people passed through the initial reception, with 9,000 arriving in Dortmund alone, 500 to 1,000 per day. Volunteer organizations, firefighters, police, and countless individuals rallied together, providing round-the-clock care, orientation, and accommodation. The volunteers had to organize themselves, taking on tasks such as cooking duties, sorting clothing donations, and transporting donations from the station to the Keuning-Haus.
A human chain of volunteers spontaneously formed at the station to help the firefighters load donations onto trucks. Emergency shelters in tents and containers were set up to house the influx of refugees. Amidst the chaos, stories of resilience and unity emerged.
One refugee expressed feeling like the word 'refugee' was written on their forehead, struggling with their new identity. However, Dortmund's warm welcome helped many find their footing. Waffa Kuwider, a doctor who survived two destroyed cities and now works in Dortmund, emphasizes the importance of dropping prejudices.
The documentary film from the Dietrich-Keuning-Haus features original footage from the early days when it became a central hub for refugees. The Nordstadtblogger exhibition, "Dortmunder Successes: We've done it!", showcases success stories of people who came to Dortmund in 2015 and have become an integral part of the city, whether as doctors, IT specialists, or volunteers.
The Nordstadtblogger editorial team has collected success stories of people who came to Dortmund as refugees and have become professionals, such as electricians, social workers, and insurance salesmen. Leven Arslan, director of the Dietrich-Keuning-Haus, recalled working around the clock for six weeks without sleep.
Jorg Stüdemann, the city director, looked back and believed the Dietrich-Keuning-Haus is the only German cultural institution featured in the New York Times. The magazine Spiegel presented the only German cultural institution active during the 2015 refugee crisis in Dortmund in the year 2025. However, the exact institution and location of the presentation remain unspecified.
Fatma Karacakurtoglu and Jamil Ayou from Train of Hope reminded that Dortmund even built a second hub when 202,000 people fled from Ukraine due to the invasion. The exhibition and series on the 10th Anniversary of "We Can Do It!": Successful Examples of Integration in Dortmund - "We've Done It!" are showcased by Nordstadtblogger.
Baran, a helper, recalled his six-year-old son's shock at seeing the arriving refugees. However, the young boy's reaction was soon replaced by empathy as he witnessed the volunteers' selfless acts. Baran also remembered seeing people without expression because they didn't know what would happen to them.
The column in front of the Dietrich-Keuning-Haus is intended as a reminder to treat people humanely, as Dortmund did in 2015. The city's response during the crisis serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, humanity can prevail.
