New Doors Open for Syrian Refugees in Germany

Friedland Germany, a small town of 5,000 has been experiencing a decline in population has been occurring over the past few decades due to the abolition of over 2,000 jobs after West Germany and Germany reunited in 1990. The upside of 3,000 people (mostly young) have left Friedland in search of work elsewhere. Wilfried Block, 58, has been the mayor of Friedland since 1992 and proclaims that the "once gray, industrial town is now green and pleasant. But we've failed to keep people from leaving." Block now expresses interest in refugees in need of a place to live, hoping they can help fill the void of many empty homes and apartments throughout the town. This looks to be a win-win situation for both the Town of Friedland and many refugees who seek a place to live.

Wilfried Block, mayor of Friedland

source - NPR.org