Community engagement efforts in Kreuzberg aim to enhance safety for New Year’s Eve celebrations, following troubling incidents during the previous year’s festivities. Firefighter Ali Khattab, now a neighborhood manager, fosters dialogue among residents, addressing concerns over fireworks-related violence and advocating for respect towards emergency workers. The gathering at ‘Dütti-Treff’ emphasizes building relationships and shared responsibility for community safety, with Khattab focusing on positive interactions with local youth to prevent future conflicts.
Community Engagement for a Safer New Year’s Eve
The incidents involving the Berlin fire department on New Year’s Eve 2022 left a profound impact on the community. One of the firefighters, Ali Khattab, experienced the chaos firsthand when he was targeted while in his vehicle. Today, Khattab has taken on the role of ‘neighborhood manager’ in Kreuzberg, dedicating himself to fostering community spirit and safety.
Building Connections and Promoting Peace
As visitors enter the ‘Dütti-Treff’, they are greeted by a banner that reads ‘Together for a peaceful New Year’s Eve’. The community center buzzes with energy, filled with residents from the Werner-Düttmann settlement, including young mothers, retirees, and older women. Tonight, they gather to engage with Khattab, who aims to promote dialogue about ensuring a safe New Year’s celebration.
Many attendees have their own stories of distress to share, recounting frightening experiences from the previous New Year’s Eve, including firework-related violence and property damage. Barbara, a long-time resident, describes the chaos: “New Year’s Eve here feels like a war zone,” she explains, citing incidents of vandalism and fires in the neighborhood.
While Barbara and others advocate for a ban on private fireworks, Khattab’s mission focuses on safe practices and protecting emergency workers from harm. The aftermath of New Year’s Eve 2022/23 prompted calls for stricter actions against those responsible for the violence against first responders.
Khattab’s presence at community events like the one at the ‘Dütti-Treff’ is about initiating conversations rather than assigning blame. “It’s about building relationships, understanding one another, and fostering respect,” he emphasizes.
Since becoming a neighborhood representative in Berlin-Kreuzberg, Khattab has actively sought to engage with local youth, aiming to address the underlying issues that led to the attacks on emergency personnel. His approach involves open dialogue and understanding, as he reflects on the chaotic New Year’s Eve where confusion resulted in violence against those trying to help.
Despite the government’s condemnation of these attacks, Khattab insists on the importance of community awareness regarding the role of firefighters and the potential consequences of their inability to respond due to such violence. “We’re talking about human lives,” he stresses, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Emine Yilmaz, who leads the neighborhood meeting, shares Khattab’s vision for change. Although she does not reside in the area, she is passionate about the need for a safer environment for everyone. “We can only achieve this together,” she asserts, highlighting the shared responsibility of the community in safeguarding their future generations.
As the evening unfolds, it becomes clear that the conversations sparked here will extend beyond the gathering, influencing how attendees communicate with their families and neighbors about safety and cooperation. Khattab remains committed to his role, continuing to engage with the youth through activities like football, reinforcing the message of unity and respect.