There are many wonderful programs that have been created to help integrate the refugees into German life. Many refugees were hesitant to share their stories or to be photographed. I spent a day with Syrian family and was told their tragic story of the journey to Germany to seek asylum. He cannot be shown along with the other refugees out of fear for their safety. The resiliency in these men, women and children are inspiring. One day I hope that these images of their faces can be published. I found within Templehoff park a community of strangers coming together with people running, biking, skating, flying kites, gardening, and even a small acrobatic training circus for the children of Berlin and the refugees.
I came to Berlin to share the stories of refugees here seeking asylum in Germany. Templehoff Airport, a place rich in history, has been used for many different purposes over the years. Built by the Nazi’s in 1923, Templehoff was created to be the entrance of Hitler’s grand German empire. After being decommissioned as an airport in 2008 the grounds were turned into a park and the airplane hangars now contain the largest housing facility for refugees in Germany, with more than 13,000 refugees living in makeshift cubicles in a cavernous hall.