Further Media
You are now back outside the museum. The entrance to the refugee accommodation today is at the exact place where the East German refugees entered the grounds 70 years ago. Can you see the glass door in the flat part of the building?
If you listened to the eyewitnesses speaking on the way from the previous stop, you might recall the last voice. It belongs to a former resident who lived here from 2011 to 2013. His memories bring us almost up to the present.
The refugee accommodation was opened in December 2010, shortly after the central reception center for immigrants of German nationality or origin, so called “Aussiedler”, closed its doors. The resident's origins are constantly changing. Currently, most people living here are from Syria and Afghanistan. Many have come to Germany under resettlement programs. Those who are particularly vulnerable and in need of protection. International protection rules allow them to enter the country safely and directly. Some were Afghan local forces, for example, people who worked in Afghanistan for the German army, German ministries, or German organizations. Many of them feared for their lives after the Taliban came to power in their home country.
The length of time people stay in the refugee accommodation varies. Due to the housing shortage in Berlin, they often remain for several years. However, all those living here aim to find their own apartment, leave the temporary shelter, and live as independent members of society.