On August 27, 2024, a knife attack occurred in Solingen that deeply shocked German society. The suspected perpetrator, a Syrian immigrant, was arrested by police near the crime scene after behaving suspiciously. This event has reignited discussions about the integration of immigrants in Germany.

It is crucial to emphasize in this discussion that many migrants who come to Germany are highly qualified academics who make significant contributions to German society. Statistics show that a significant number of people who have immigrated to Germany have academic degrees. This group also includes health professionals, engineers and scientists who are often no longer able to work in their home countries for political or economic reasons.

An example of the positive integration of this group is the book “Voices in Exile: Healthcare Workers’ Journeys from Turkey to the World” (https://a.co/d/5yHJLXk), which documents the stories of 513 immigrant healthcare workers who are now making a valuable contribution around the world.

Associations founded by immigrants, such as Academic Solidarity e.V., must condemn in the strongest possible terms any form of terror and violence. Such acts of terror contradict the basic values ​​of humanity and academic solidarity that such associations promote.

The tragic events such as the attack in Solingen should not obscure the fact that the vast majority of immigrants, including many academics, are looking for security and better living conditions and are ready to make a positive contribution in their new homeland. It remains a social and political challenge to recognize and promote this potential.