German cities offer help to children from Gaza and Israel
Dusseldorf is planning to take in children from Gaza and Israel who are particularly vulnerable or traumatized, following a similar initiative by the northern German city of Hanover.
The mayor of Dusseldorf, Stephan Keller, expressed support for Hanover’s decision and said his city intends to replicate what he called a “strong and deeply humane gesture.”
He added that, on matters of compassion and principle, Dusseldorf’s political leadership stands united across party lines.
Hanover announced on Thursday that it would receive up to 20 children, with the possibility of expanding the initiative. Mayor Belit Onay said other cities had also expressed interest in launching comparable efforts.
Onay said many of his city’s residents, some of whom have family ties to the region, were moved by the suffering of people in Gaza and Israel.
Dusseldorf’s plans, announced on Friday, are still in development. In a joint statement, officials in the western German city said they would begin examining practical options in the coming week.
According to the city, initial discussions have already taken place with local stakeholders, including members of the Jewish community and the Muslim community in Düsseldorf.
