A Lot of Refugees Who Arrive in Germany Come from Syria. Here Is an Interview with a Young

Arif's story

A lot of refugees who arrive in Germany come from Syria. Here is an interview with a young Syrian called Arif. He tells us why he left Syria and talks about his long journey until he finally reached Germany.

Reporter: Why did you want to leave Syria?

Arif:I come from a city inNorthern Syria. There has been a civil war for three years now. There were bombs every day. Lots of people were killed or injured. I tried to help the injured people. Then they caught me and put me in jail. They said,"You are an enemy of the government." They put me into a room with thirty other people and tortured me. After two terrible months they let me go. I was afraid they would catch me again. I couldn’t eat any more and I

couldn’t sleep at night. So I decided to run away.

Reporter:Where did you go?

Arif: I went to Damascus, the capital of Syria. I wanted to study to become a teacher, but they

didn't let me go to university. This is when I finally decided to leave the country.

Reporter: Tell us about your escape.

Arif:First I went to Egypt. I hoped I could study there, but the university in Cairo didn't let me study. So I thought I could go to Europe. Some friends told me the best place for refugees

in Europe is Germany.

Reporter: How did you get from Egypt to Germany?

Arif:I looked for a boat to Italy. A man told me to come to a special place in the middle of the night. There were about 50 other people. We all had to pay about 1,000 Euros. Then we

could get on the boat.

Reporter:How long did the trip take?

Arif:Eight days. It was terrible. It was so crowded that we had no place to lie down. After five days there was no more drinking water. Three of the passengers died and they threw the dead bodies into the water.

Reporter: What happened in Italy?

Arif:The Italian police took me toa refugee camp. The next day I ran away. I got on a train to

France and then to Germany.

Reporter:How long have you been here in Germany now?

Arif:I arrived here about eight months ago. I was taken to a camp for refugees and had to register. I had to wait for half a year to get a residence permit (Aufenthaltsgenehmigung). I go to a

German course every day. I think it is very important to learn German.

Reporter: What are your plans now?

Arif:First of all I want to study here, but I miss my parents and my brothers and sisters. I also miss my country. When it is safe there again, I want to go back. If not, I hope that my family

can come to Germany, too. I'm terribly worried that they get killed or injured in the war.

Reporter:What do you think about the Germans?

Arif: Most of them are friendly and helpful and Germany is a free country. I can say what I want. I

can talk to you and nobody wants to put me in jail. That’s great.

Reporter: Thank you, Arif, for this interview. We wish you all the best.