City of Dusseldorf to Admit Children from Gaza and Israel
In a significant humanitarian move, the city of Düsseldorf, along with Hanover and Bonn, has expressed its willingness to accept children from the Gaza Strip and Israel who are particularly vulnerable or traumatized [1][2][3]. The initiative, however, is still in its preliminary stages and depends on several conditions.
The plan, as of now, includes up to 20 emergency placement spots for children [2]. These spots are intended for those in urgent need of protection or traumatized. The city authorities acknowledge that the implementation of this plan would require federal government support, especially in regards to immigration procedures, selection of children, and medical care coordination [2].
Initial discussions have already taken place with the Jewish Community and the circle of Düsseldorf Muslims [3]. The city administration plans to explore the possibilities of realizing this project in the coming week [1]. However, no specific number of additional emergency placement spots for children has been mentioned in the statement.
The German Interior Ministry is currently reviewing the feasibility of such projects but has not yet received formal requests from cities, including Düsseldorf, to officially bring in these children [1][2]. Meanwhile, the federal government emphasizes prioritizing expanding medical assistance locally in the region rather than moving children to Germany at present [2].
Other cities have expressed interest in participating in similar programs, but no other cities have been explicitly mentioned as expressing interest since the statement [3]. The scope of the aid in Düsseldorf is yet to be clarified. An expansion of the program in Düsseldorf is possible, such as through host or foster families, though no mention of an immediate expansion has been made in the statement [3].
The Lord Mayor of Düsseldorf, Stephan Keller (CDU), supports this initiative [3]. The statement was signed by Keller, along with Clara Gerlach (Greens), and Fabian Zachel (SPD) [3]. As the situation evolves, we will keep you updated on any developments regarding this humanitarian effort.
[1] City of Düsseldorf press release [2] German Interior Ministry statement [3] Local newspaper report
The city of Düsseldorf's plan, as of now, includes discussing politics with the Jewish Community and Düsseldorf Muslims for the potential expansion of emergency placement spots for traumatized children from the Gaza Strip and Israel. The establishment of this program, however, requires general-news support from the federal government, particularly in managing immigration procedures, child selection, and medical care coordination.
