A Decade On: Anas Meets Angela, "The Strongest Woman in the World"
"Encountering the World's Most Powerful Female"
Streamlined version:
In the whirlwind of 2015, Anas Modamani's life took a dramatic turn - all thanks to a selfie with the legendary Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel. Nine years later, Modamani, now a German citizen, is more concerned about his Syrian friends who are still without a passport. Although the Syrian regime under Bashar al-Assad has crumbled, Modamani, a Berliner at heart, sees no reason to return to his homeland. The 28-year-old is a video journalist for "Deutsche Welle" and shares his reasons behind staying in Germany with ntv.de.
ntv.de: Your life took a drastic turn 10 years ago – a selfie with the Chancellor, whom you didn't even recognize, sparked it all...
Anas Modamani: That's true (laughs). I acknowledged it a minute later. I was aware of who the Federal Chancellor of Germany was, but in that moment, I didn't recognize her right away. I was so new, I was excited.
Are you excited to see her again?
Not particularly (laughs). I view this as a friendly catch-up and don't want to make a big fuss. I just want to meet her, ideally with my girlfriend, because I'm meeting my idol again. She has saved countless lives. To me, she is the strongest woman on the planet. We plan to have a casual coffee, away from the press.
What would you like to ask her the most?
If she could re-enter politics, I miss her dearly. Many things became better with her around, and I feel like things have gone backward now. Other than that, I just want to know how she's doing and what she's up to. I also want to express my gratitude to her in the name of many Syrians, for the sake of numerous interviews I've conducted recently and countless conversations with fellow countrymen.
You've been in Germany for a decade – what has changed the most for you?
It has become more challenging. It's evident that asylum seekers in 2015 had more opportunities than now. There were many volunteers to help, but that's not the case anymore. For me, a lot has changed due to my longevity in Germany and the end of the war in Syria. That completely transforms the situation, that's clear. I traveled to Syria recently, my family is there, and even in Damascus, I felt a certain sense of security. The feeling of safety disappears as soon as you leave the city.
You continue to face criticism online, with xenophobic comments and accusations. How do you cope with that?
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I try to brush it off. There are many people who personally dislike me or Syrians in general. I must ignore it, or else it'd never end. There is a lot of hate, mainly online. Yes, I should return to my homeland, but I live here now, and I have made it my home. The online harassment has increased again in recent years, after it had subsided after the initial wave.
You live with a Ukrainian woman, and together, you've built a successful life in Germany. Have you settled down?
Indeed, we are both flourishing in Germany, have completed our studies, and have always worked tirelessly. Anna has also obtained a German passport, working here as an engineer in the mechanical field, and I have also worked diligently to reach my current position. I believe we set a good example for others. During my studies in business management, I worked part-time twice a week, which was demanding, but it paid off.
Do you speak fluent German?
Of course (laughs).
You often come under attack from right-wing extremists, with false accusations and questions about your use of language in your videos.
I do speak German occasionally. I strive to integrate and communicate with as many people as possible.
"Berlin, let's talk" is the title of your program on Instagram and TikTok, with tens of thousands of followers. Who do you primarily engage with?
I speak to people who have studied here or started a business. I want to demonstrate that Syrians have also found success, have a voice, and serve as proof that there are countless opportunities available in Germany. I share stories about people and their daily lives to offer hope and encouragement. I specifically look for individuals with something meaningful to share. I aim to shed light on mistakes and avoid misunderstandings, especially when Germany's support goes awry.
Do you have criticism of Germany, of Europe as well? Do you believe people here have grown desensitized to the war? That we are not providing enough support to the affected countries, as many suggest?
Germany has welcomed many people, which is great. I think, in the case of Syria, Germany didn't contribute much on the ground, at least not extensively. However, I don't want to dwell too much on the past, as I am aware that Germany will support Syria's reconstruction with billions of Euros. I must stress: Germany opened its doors, and for that, I will always be grateful. I am conscious of the fact that Syria still requires aid. But Ukraine requires more help, as it is closer to Germany, geographically.
What do you hope for from the new government?
I hope for greater security for Germany. I hope the Russian aggression against Ukraine will cease, and I hope that Syria will truly be aided in its reconstruction by Germany. I hope for more support for citizens in Germany, particularly by building more apartments. I would welcome a more modern Germany (laughs).
What does that mean, a modern Germany?
Less bureaucracy and more digitization would be a welcome start. I have many desires, but I am confident that many other citizens share them.
Interview with Anas Modamani by Sabine Oelmann
Related Topics: Angela Merkel, Syria, Syrian War, Reconstruction, Refugees, Berlin, Polish Intelligence, Russian Intelligence, Ukrainian Refugees.
Enrichment Insights:- In 2015, Germany faced multiple challenges regarding Syrian refugees, including accusations of fake news distorting their image and political pressures for tighter asylum rules.- The shift in Germany's refugee policy today could signify a move away from its historic open-door approach following Angela Merkel's departure.- Modernization efforts in Germany focus on reducing bureaucracy and increasing digitization, with many citizens expressing a desire for change in these areas.
- Anas Modamani, a video journalist for "Deutsche Welle" and a Berliner at heart, expresses his hope for a more modern Germany, with less bureaucracy and more digitization.
- In the streaming platform "Instagram" and "TikTok", Anas Modamani engages with individuals who have studied in or started businesses in Germany, aiming to demonstrate the success and opportunities available to Syrians in the country.
- Modamani's program on Instagram and TikTok, titled "Berlin, let's talk", has attracted tens of thousands of followers, focusing on sharing stories about people's daily lives to offer hope and encouragement.
- Despite facing criticism online and xenophobic comments, Modamani tries to ignore the negativity and continue to contribute positively to the entertainment and general-news sectors, especially by exposing misunderstandings and shedding light on the struggles of Syrians and Ukrainian refugees.
- Modamani, as a citizen, expresses his gratitude to Germany for opening its doors to refugees like himself and hopes that the new government will prioritize Germany's security, aid Syria in its reconstruction, and support citizens through initiatives such as building more apartments, reflecting his personal commitment to working diligently and setting a good example for others.
