Eight countries in twenty days. Mohamed Jasim, an engineer student from Syria, finished his journey to Sweden last Thursday. Now he wants to continue his studies.
It is 1:30 AM and hundreds of refugees and volunteers crowd in the arrival hall at Malmö Central Station. After being detained on a train in Danish Rødby during Wednesday, the two hundred passengers were let through in the evening. Many of them have now arrived in Malmö – many are tired, but relieved.
“I cannot describe the joy of finally being here”, says the Syrian student Mohamed Jasim, who has passed through eight countries in the last twenty days.
On a table in the arrival hall, food, fruit and juice is being served. Volunteers carry signs directing the people who will keep on travelling to the right cars: taking them to Stockholm, Norrköping, and Gothenburg.
Twenty days of travelling at an end
Next to the crowd at the station, Mohamed Jasim sits on a bench. Until recently, he was studying engineering in Syria but then decided to flee to Europe. He has just arrived in Sweden after travelling through Greece, Macedonia, Serbia, Hungary, Slovakia, Germany, and Denmark.
“Everywhere I went unexpected problems arose. We wanted to continue from Denmark to Sweden, but they wanted to get our fingerprints. So we protested and finally they let us through”, he says.
After twenty days of travelling, he has finally reached his destination and already has plans for what to do in Sweden.
“I want to continue my studies in engineering. But now, I have to go to the mosque and rest”, Mohamed Jasim says.
Huge commitment thanks to the media
Public commitment has grown bigger than usual this last week. People, companies, and organisations have gotten in touch and helped in various ways with the preparations.
“Ordinary people have contacted us wanting to help. The last week has stirred many emotions. It’s as if people have had it and feel that they want to do something. They have realised that this is reality for many people”, says Maria Ahmed, who has participated in giving out meals during the day.
“Spreading much love”
Maria Ahmed thinks that the, by now, internationally renowned image of Alan Kurdi is one reason why more people want to help. She also points to the positive encouragement from social media, especially Facebook, where necessities and new initiatives quickly are shared among many people.
“Already, there are between five and seven different groups on Facebook that are trying to help in various ways. Many people are paying attention to this cause, and spreading much love”, Ahmed says.
Article: Linus Gisborn
Translation: Sofia Nordstrand
