The rally we organised outside the Eisenhüttenstadt camp on 8 March, “Loud and clear, no to racism, sexism and discrimination”, was a great success. Many individuals and groups from Berlin/Brandenburg came to show solidarity with the asylum seekers in the camp. We travelled with two full 50-person solidarity buses from Oranienplatz in Berlin. Many others travelled by train from Berlin and the whole of Brandenburg.

This was very important in the aftermath of the just finished parliamentary elections in which the Afd won a lot of votes all over Brandenburg. On the other hand, the solidarity of the participants showed that we are many and we will not be intimidated by the right wing.

With powerful speeches from different groups, entertainment by the Widerklang Choir, dancing by refugee women and participants, and good food prepared by “Brandenburg Calling” (a group that regularly visits the camps in Eisenhüttenstadt and Doberlug-Kirshhain to support refugees), we celebrated the 8th of March in a way that is without doubt unique.

Unfortunately, not many people from inside came out because they were afraid that taking part in a demonstration would have a negative impact on their asylum applications. However, those who did join us were able to enjoy the good food or take some away to eat later after breaking their fast, as it was Ramadan time.

The children from the camp were not left behind, they also had fun with the help of the adults, drawing pictures and making symbols on the street. To make it clear that the camp is no place for women and children.