Dear friends of Sea-Eye,
There is a deep sense of concern aboard the SEA-EYE 4, in the harbor of Licata, and everywhere on land: one in five votes in the German federal elections went to a fascist party, over half of the country voted anti-migration. But surrender? Never! So today we are sending you three messages of solidarity in times of the right-wing shift…
Tough weeks lie behind us: the election campaigns were a scandalous competition as to who could deport better and faster - outbidding each other in racist migration policy. Exclusion, deportation, isolation: all of this was propagated under the guise of ‘security’ instead of finally making a life in security and dignity a reality for everyone. The disenfranchisement of people that we experience at Europe's external borders is penetrating ever deeper into our country. “Germany first. Fortress Europe first. Asylum last.” We firmly oppose this: No way - not with us! We are defending our solidarity-based society.
One thing is clear: refugees have no choice. They will flee. And we will be there. Even if a storm of authoritarian forces rises. Whether by Meloni, Musk or even an anti-immigration government led by Friedrich Merz (CDU): we are familiar with right-wing attacks on civil society organisations - and we have well thought-out strategies for remaining capable of action. But we are aware that times are going to get tougher. With the increasing influence of right-wing forces, it is always possible that previous state funding for civil society organisations will come under attack. In addition, even in times of inflation, it is never guaranteed how long people will be able to continue donating. That hurts. Now, of all times, when there is so much to do. Hence our plea: If you can, help now with a donation.
Because now is the time to remain extra active - and to counter the right-wing headwind with extra solidarity. This is exactly what we have set out to do and are already putting into practice in these emotional days. Here are our three messages of solidarity from the first few days after the election:
Day 1: Human gestures are needed in inhumane times. That is why we have been calling for “21 Days of Silence” since the day after the election - with 30,411 real minutes of silence in memory of at least 30,411 people who have died or went missing in the Mediterranean since 2014. To show where isolation leads. To demonstrate respect and humanity - and to oppose the shift to the political right. You can find out more here: 21 Days of Silence
Day 2: As an active sign of solidarity in civil society, we are currently on a joint mission with Sea-Watch in the central Mediterranean. Yesterday, the common crew of the SEA-EYE 4 brought 41 people ashore in Naples - they were rescued from distress at sea on the night before election Sunday. Every person who comes ashore safely from our ships these days is an important victory for humanity.
Day 3 and beyond: In Licata, the crew of the SEA-EYE 5 is currently undergoing intensive training in order to bring our second rescue ship into operation this week if possible. We continue to stand in solidarity with people seeking protection. Now more than ever.
One thing is clear to us: yes, we are outraged by the election result. But no, we are not resigned. There is a lot to do and we can do a lot, let's tackle it: Together against the shift to the far right, together with you. Solidarity first - now more than ever!
Best regards,
Anna Dütsch - Communications Officer