10 years of Syrians in Bocholt: A celebration of community, culture and hope

On 28 June 2025, the Syrian community in Bocholt celebrated its tenth anniversary - a significant milestone that recognises the successful integration, cultural exchange and close ties between the people in the city.

The event was opened by Muaiad Abd Alrahman, Chairman of the German-Syrian Association, who warmly welcomed the guests and emphasised that he was not only interested in presenting Syrian culture, but also in showing gratitude. He thanked the members of his association for their voluntary work and expressed the hope that the festival would become a place of encounter, exchange and joy.

Mayor Thomas Kerkhoff expressly recognised the Syrian community: "They enrich Bocholt with their culture. The coexistence of Syrian people who have had to flee is of great importance for our city", said Kerkhoff. It is important to find "a new home without forgetting your roots", emphasised Kerkhoff. These communities and cultural associations are an important part of our society.

Benefit for urban society

Martin Wolters from the City of Bocholt's Department of Public Order recalled the beginnings in 2015, when the first Syrian refugee bus arrived in Bocholt. He reported on the challenges in the early years, such as accommodation, language barriers and integration. While there were 75 Syrians living in Bocholt in 2014, today there are 971, "three more than from Ukraine and 90 more than from the Netherlands", said Wolters.

It is particularly pleasing that 88% of Bocholt residents with Syrian roots are under 45 years old. "They compensate for demographic gaps and are an asset to the city's society".

Bridging the gap between cultures

In his speech, Ataf Chaudhry, Deputy Chairman of the Bocholt Integration Council, paid tribute to the dedicated work of the Syrian community in Bocholt since 2015, which has been characterised by quick commitment, language support, work and cultural activities. He emphasised how the "Syrians in Bocholt" association acts as a bridge between cultures, promotes integration and enriches the city's society, including through events, aid campaigns and political dialogue.

Chaudhry praised the association's many initiatives, such as the Ramadan bazaar, the sugar festival and support for the integration of new arrivals, which make Bocholt even more vibrant. He concluded by encouraging the community to remain active and wished Muaiad Abd Alrahman and his association continued success in their important work.

He also appealed to the importance of freedom of choice and democracy: "Our history will be written on 14 September. Many Syrians will be able to vote in Bocholt, which was not possible in their home country. Let's use our voices to promote a harmonious society and democracy and to fight racism."

The evening was complemented by an impressive and moving documentary film put together by film director Mohammad Shekha, which documented the story of the Syrian revolution, the flight, the great pain in concise images, but also showed the hope and new beginning in Bocholt, in which people of Syrian origin from Bocholt had their say.

The very young members of the Syrian community, most of whom were born in Bocholt, showed their hopes for the future and how firmly rooted the community is in the city with a dance performance.

Personal (success) stories characterised the evening: Esraa Abdalhalem, a 17-year-old pupil, told of the difficult beginnings and early independence, because children and parents had to learn at the same time. With the support of the teachers and her parents, it worked out. Taking part in the "School without Racism" working group also helped her to deal with discrimination.

Courage, politeness and respect

Ahmad Akkam, who came to Bocholt in 2015, spoke about the challenges of the asylum procedure, the educational opportunities that Bocholt offers and his successful entry into the world of work at Flender. There was support not only from the Syrian community, but also from the VHS, the Klausenhof Academy and the friendships he had made.

"Thank you for making a successful person out of me", said Akkam and at the same time appealed: "Have courage, be persistent and integrate yourselves, use every opportunity, believe in yourselves, then you will make it, with courtesy and respect."

William Al Akrad, who studied in Bocholt, emphasised how important language skills are for integration and encouraged everyone to take advantage of the opportunities in Germany. "I would like to thank Germany and Bocholt for the opportunities offered to us refugees."

Mohamad Jarad, Managing Director of M. Kaiser Dienstleistungen, described his escape and his journey from refugee to successful entrepreneur. His successfully completed Abitur in Syria was not recognised here in Germany, "so I simply did my Abitur again", said Mohamad Jarad. He then decided to take the path of work: "I can't sit at a desk for eight hours, I have to work physically", said Jarad. His name translates as "locust", which he was unable to use when it came to founding the company.

"Then, together with my consultant, I came up with a term that sounds relatively the same in German, English and Arabic, Kaiser," Jarad continues. As the name already existed as a business entry, he simply took "M. Kaiser". "There was a lot of competition, but I prevailed with honesty, punctuality and good work and won the trust of my customers." His company is currently the best-rated clearance company in Germany.

Culinary specialities

During the break, the association presented its guests with Syrian specialities, all of which had been prepared by Mrs Hnadi Hallak. "It was a pleasure", said Bruno Wansing, Integration Officer for the city of Bocholt, who organised the event throughout the day.

Muaiad Abd Alrahman summarised: "Bocholt is our second home. We live here in a clean, liveable city with great people. Here we find a community that welcomes and supports us."