Which cat?

This morning I had to grab three things and leave my home because it wasn't safe to stay anymore.

I panicked. I'm really not as good with making choices under pressure as I thought, it would seem. Out of all the things I own, my god, what would I pick? The KitchenAid I love so much, like, one of my favorite christmas presents, ever? The cat? Food for the cat? Which cat?

I couldn't breathe.

I woke up.

This is currently as close to Syria as I will get. As ridiculous as the cat decision may or may not sound. In the photo you will see how close to Syria we actually are (in case you needed some geographical, factual knowledge).

Safety is built by us. Democracy is built by us. We are as well off as ever, yet we are doing everything to destroy everything we hold dear. For what? For not being able to look further than the skin color or religious belief of the other person? We're better than that. I know we can be.

Tonight I'll discuss migration and integration at a symposium in Hamburg. One fifth south along the road to Syria. I promised myself to be realistic. But I am in the end an idealist. I believe in the people who did and do their utmost to stand up for human rights. For humanity. We are the majority. I know we are. But we need to be louder. Reach further. So that our politicians dare to make the right decisions. So that we can look future generations in the eye and say we learned from history. Rather than let it happen all over again.

4000 km is not as far as you think.

Going 70 years back in time would be a lifetime of a journey. And traveling backwards has never brought anyone forward.