“I have a daughter now”

27 October 2025

In 2016, housing cooperative De Samenwerking decided to make three homes available to refugees with official status. This resulted in two Syrian families and one Afghan family moving into the upscale Amsterdam Zuid neighborhood. Some residents, including Harry, took on the role of providing support and guidance.Old furniture was taken out of the attic. A chat was struck up with the bike repairman on the corner to see if something could be arranged. Everyone pitched in. Help with administration, arranging schools for the children, language lessons but also cultural lessons, drawing lessons, and even magic lessons were arranged.

No longer alone

When Shams still lived in Syria, she thought Europeans were mainly focused on work and money. “A lot of head but little heart,” they told her. But that’s not how she experienced it. “My father passed away a year ago,” says Shams, “despite my family, I felt alone. But neighbors and friends came by, bringing white flowers and candles, and I realized that I am no longer alone here. I have friends and new family members.” “Like neighbor Harry,” she says with a smile.

What you get

“I am lucky,” says Shams. “That may sound strange after everything we have been through. The war, the journey here. But still, we are lucky. Because we ended up here, because we received help, and I have met so many kind people.” Harry feels embarrassed. “Oh, look at what you get in return. Shams is a very special woman, and I have gained a daughter.”

Friendly neighbors

For Harry, the arrival of the new neighbors had a welcome side effect. “Thanks to all the organization, I got to know my neighbors. It turns out I live among all kinds of nice people. Like Ria, who helped Shams with the language, and Rudolph, who did magic tricks at Shams’ youngest son’s birthday party. Harry has been working for fifteen years as afacilitator of dialogues between people with various backgrounds“I strive for more connection and solidarity in the neighborhood, and in the city. By organizing gatherings where recognized refugees meet established residents, everyone gets to know each other better.”

Getting to know each other for real

Soon we will also start with a series of Sunday brunches. “We will cook together and talk about topics that are interesting for everyone. Such as the work of the neighborhood police officer, the nurse, or the judge. The goal is always: to really get to know each other, because that’s how understanding and connection arise. If that succeeds, it moves me.” And Shams and her family? “They always actively participate in these kinds of initiatives. They help with organizing, shopping, and starting conversations. They are grateful but also give a lot to the neighborhood.”