German-Iranian doctor says many Iranians at home and in exile are disillusioned and depressed by the war and uncertain future
Rahim Schmidt, a 67-year-old former state parliamentarian and physician, says many Iranians both in the country and abroad are severely disillusioned and depressed because the war and uncertain future have turned their fate into a geopolitical plaything.
State of mind
According to Rahim Schmidt, first chairman of the association Armut und Gesundheit, many Iranians are deeply disillusioned and depressed. This applies to people still living in Iran as well as those in exile. He told the German Press Agency that many had "fought passionately for human rights and democracy", but now see no tangible improvement in their situation.
But their fate has become a plaything of geopolitics.
Family separation
Schmidt, who came to Germany from Iran in 1978 and stayed, pointed out that many exiles have not seen their families for decades. They were unable to say goodbye to deceased relatives and friends. "You somehow take part in life through telephone farewells; that hurts," he said. Families and entire generations are traumatised and torn apart, Schmidt added.
Gratitude and a call to action
Schmidt stressed that the diaspora is very grateful to Germany for all the years. He urged civil societies worldwide to organise new forms of solidarity and protest in the digital space. The goal, he said, is a dignified life for everyone and for future generations on this planet.
We are very grateful to Germany for all these years.
Building daily structures
To avoid resignation, Schmidt called for building new daily routines and working on one's own happiness and mental health through volunteering and commitment. He personally wants to engage more on issues like loneliness among old and young people in today's world.
