Who Belongs in Today’s Germany?

On February 19, 2020, a violent rampage in Hanau, Germany, resulted in the deaths of nine individuals, primarily immigrants, at the hands of shooter Tobias R. The attack sparked outrage among victims' families, particularly Serpil Temiz Unvar, whose son Ferhat was among the victims. Unvar's frustration with the government's inadequate response led her to become an activist, founding the Ferhat Unvar Educational Initiative to combat racism in schools and communities. The initiative aims to provide safe spaces for school-age children to discuss discrimination and offers training for educators to address racism in their classrooms. Unvar's activism highlights the ongoing struggle against deeply ingrained racist ideologies in Germany, especially as far-right sentiments gain traction, exemplified by the rise of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Despite her efforts, Unvar expresses concern over the lack of meaningful change in government policies regarding the protection of immigrant communities. The police's handling of the investigation into the Hanau attack was criticized for relying on racist stereotypes, further complicating the narrative surrounding the victims. As the political landscape shifts to the right, Unvar remains determined to continue her fight for human rights and against racism, drawing strength from the solidarity of others who share her vision for a more inclusive society. Her journey reflects the broader challenges faced by immigrant communities in Germany, as they navigate a landscape marked by both violence and a growing resistance to racism.