Syria or Germany? Has German politics shifted for Syrians? | DW Documentary

Key Concepts

• Syrian Refugee Crisis
• Assad Regime Overthrow
• Remigration Debate (Germany)
• Integration vs. Repatriation
• Skilled Workers Immigration Act
• Political Polarization (AFD, CDU)
• Dual Identity (Syrian-German)
• Post-Conflict Reconstruction
• Psychological Impact of War/Displacement
• Temporary Residence Permit

Introduction: Sulleman's Journey and the Central Question

The video begins with Sulleman Tadori, a Syrian journalist, reflecting on his journey from war-torn Syria 10 years ago to finding refuge in Germany in 2015. He recounts filming atrocities during the war and the constant fear. Now a German citizen working as a journalist, his family has also joined him. The central theme of the video is sparked by the overthrow of dictator Assad in December 2024, which has ignited a debate in Germany: "What does this mean for Syrians in Germany?" Politicians are discussing whether Syrians should return to their homeland to help rebuild, while many, including Sulleman, are unsure about lasting peace. This raises the question: "Are we still welcome in Germany or is it time to leave?"

Perspectives on Returning to Syria

• Sulleman's Mother: Fear and Attachment to Germany Sulleman's mother, living in Hamburg, expresses profound happiness and independence in Germany, stating she has "very bad memories of Syria" due to constant fear, rocket fire, dead bodies, and army raids. Despite Assad's fall, she refuses to return, emphasizing, "My sons are here and my brothers, too. What would I do there on my own?" This sentiment is echoed by a survey conducted shortly after Assad's fall, which indicated that 66% of Syrians in Germany want to remain. Concerns about safety in Syria persist, with violent conflicts still occurring, particularly in regions with substantial minority populations.

• Lean: The Younger Generation's Disconnect Lean, who fled Syria at age 12 and grew up in Germany, feels more comfortable in Germany. She states, "I don't know Syria that well, or even myself in Syria. I might have been a completely different person if I'd grown up there." She fears being judged in Syria by her speech, dress, or behavior. While open to visiting, she firmly states she would not stay, preferring to remain in Germany despite acknowledging its political situation "isn't ideal either."

The German Political Landscape and Remigration

• Rising Anti-Immigrant Sentiment The video highlights a shift in the political mood in Germany, fueled by recent "shocking acts of violence" in Mannheim, Solingen, and Aschaffenburg committed by Afghans and Syrians. These incidents are being used by some politicians to generalize about all Syrians.

• Political Arguments for Repatriation (CDU, AFD) Following Assad's fall, some politicians began making "concrete plans" for Syrian repatriation. Proposals include government-organized charter flights and €1,000 in startup aid for returnees. An unnamed politician is quoted saying, "We need to consider options for greater repatriation of Syrians to their homeland," and for those "who don't want to integrate, we need to say very clearly, you have no place in Germany in the long term and must leave," which Sulleman interprets as a desire to remove "as many Syrians as possible out of Germany." The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) politician interviewed stated that Syrians were initially taken in as refugees fleeing war. If those conditions no longer apply, then the "terms of the Skilled Workers Immigration Act apply," and Syrians should be "primarily responsible for rebuilding their country." The CDU emphasizes individual assessment for return, especially for those who "don't want to integrate and have committed crimes here," implying that the well-integrated can stay. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AFD) openly advocates for "remigration." An AFD politician is quoted: "The priority is remigration. If the word is remigration, then so be it. Remigration. These brilliant, skilled workers are now welcome to rebuild Syria. Show your gratitude for the refuge you were granted by now leaving Germany as quickly as possible." Sulleman notes the alarming fact that 20% of Germans voted for a party with such views. He also points out that despite the CDU's efforts to distance itself from the AFD, they "voted together on immigration policy in January 2025," intensifying Sulleman's fears, which a CDU politician dismisses as "unwarranted."

Economic Realities and Maher's "Plan B"

• Syrians in the German Workforce and Welfare System Maher, a Syrian dentist who fled in 2014 and requalified in Germany, represents a success story, conducting research and supervising students. The video notes that "Syrians now constitute the biggest group of foreign-born doctors in Germany." However, it also presents a broader picture: around half of the million or so Syrians receive welfare benefits, with some not working due to lack of German language skills or unwillingness. Additionally, 71,000 work but require supplementary benefits, and there are 165,000 children (these figures exclude employed German citizens).

• Maher's Concerns about German Political Extremism Maher, despite feeling at home in Germany, considers returning to Syria as "Plan B" if the political situation in Germany becomes "desperate." He draws parallels to historical events, stating, "I recently saw a documentary about the Nazis and Hitler and about their attempts to gain power. And I was thinking that things won't get that extreme. But people back then didn't believe things would get that extreme either." He also references Trump's rise in the US as an example of rapid political change. Maher explicitly states, "If things stay as they are now, you'll stay. But if they don't want me here, then I'll go." Maher is engaged to Clara, a German, whose parents initially had reservations about a Muslim son-in-law but quickly accepted him. Clara's parents understand Maher's "Plan B" but acknowledge Syria's current lack of safety and infrastructure. Clara herself views Germany as her home and relies on "German democracy" and its "constitution" to protect against extreme changes.

Sulleman's Emotional Return to Homs

Sulleman recounts his traumatic past in Syria, where he lived through years of war, filmed atrocities, witnessed a friend's death, and resorted to eating "grass and leaves" due to scarcity. He was forced to leave his hometown, Homs, in buses. Ten years later, "just a few days after Assad was overthrown," he returned to Homs. The experience was deeply emotional, giving him "goosebumps." He visited his old, now empty, apartment and reunited with his friend Abu Salah, with whom he was trapped in Homs' old town. They mourned many friends who died in the war. Sulleman observes that "large parts of Syria are now destroyed," with reconstruction estimated to "take decades." This visit highlights his dilemma: the powerful sense of rebuilding his homeland versus the new life he has built in Germany.

Muhammad's Decision to Return and Rebuild

Muhammad, a master metal worker in Dortmund, is one of "just a few thousand Syrians" who have chosen to return. He fled Syria alone at 18 in 2015, always intending to go back. His motivation is clear: "My homeland's calling. The war is now over. Thank God. But we need to rebuild. And if we all stay here, it'll take a 100red years." He acknowledges he will miss Germany and that Syria is destroyed, but he is not afraid of regretting his decision. The German government paid for his flight and provided €1,000 in startup aid; in return, Muhammad gave up his residence permit, making return to Germany difficult. Tanya, his company's accountant and an AFD supporter, expresses sadness at his departure, praising his hard work and integration despite her political views. Four months later, Muhammad sent Sulleman photos and videos, showing him traveling safely across Syria on a motorbike and renovating a shop in his hometown, Aleppo, to open his own workshop, making railings "just like I did in Germany."

Renewed Instability in Syria: Maher's Experience

The hope for a stable Syria is quickly challenged. In July, Maher, the dentist, visited relatives in Damascus for three weeks. Shortly after his arrival, "Israel bombed the Syrian Ministry of Defense" near him, injuring him with glass. This incident brought back traumatic memories, making him feel "like it did back then." Maher states, "Everything's still unstable. You're taking a couple steps forward in Syria and now taking 10 steps back." Israel claimed the bombing was to support Druze minorities amidst fighting with Bedouins and government forces, highlighting the ongoing, complex conflicts. Sulleman questions, "will war ever end in Syria?"

The Vulnerability of Non-Citizens and Sulleman's Commitment

Sulleman, with his German passport, has the choice to live in either Germany or Syria. However, his mother does not. She holds only a "temporary residence permit contingent upon the reason that made her flee here." If the German government decides Syria is "permanently safe," she "might have to go back." His mother expresses deep fear and depression at the thought of being alone in Syria, wishing for German citizenship. She explains her difficulty learning German due to the psychological impact of her husband's death. Sulleman makes a profound promise to his mother: "If they want to deport you, I'll come with you... I won't let you go alone." This highlights how the fate of non-citizen Syrians directly impacts their integrated, citizen family members.

Conclusion: A Lingering Fear Amidst New Beginnings

Sulleman concludes by stating that Syria's liberation from Assad has "brightened up my life and restored my faith in justice." However, he still wants to stay in Germany, acknowledging that "the fear of being displaced again is always on my mind." Having settled down and built a new life, he is "not prepared to leave everything behind a second time." The video underscores the complex emotional, political, and personal dilemmas faced by Syrians in Germany, caught between a desire for peace in their homeland, the challenges of integration, and the shifting political landscape of their adopted country.