Greece and the Immigrants who need it

Europe is seen to many as an escape to worries back home. Strong economically, unified and with vast social benefits, immigrants from around the world flock to the old continent to start new lives for themselves and for their children.

However, Europe is having challenges of its own. The strong, unified Eurozone is not so unified anymore, with Germany seeing a Grexit (Greece leaving the EUR currency) more favorable than before, while France and Italy strongly opposing it. 

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While news outlets tell you about the general issue, those seeking a better life in Europe are forgotten. 

Immigrants from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan – to say the least – have taken a chance in fleeing the violence back home. Particularly, as the Guardian says in a recent news article, the Greek island of Lesbos is being tested against the economic woes happening in Brussels, the European capital where finance ministers have met regularly for talks. 

Since the Greek government mandated an extended bank holiday unknown when to finish, and limited the amount of cash a person can withdraw in one day to 60 EUR, organizations aimed at helping these immigrants with food, shelter and medicine are unable to do so. This is because they need the banks open to carry out transactions with businesses within and outside Greece. That means that they are unable to purchase basics like food. 

Thankfully, locals have stepped up to the plate and welcomed in those seeking a better life. They provide them food, and means of transport to the island’s capital, where they can apply for transport to Athens at the government’s immigrant office there.

One can only hope that whatever the finance ministers decide in Brussels, it is for the benefit of the people and those doing their best to help others.