I’m sure readers here caught the media spin cycle twisting this story yesterday? Of course there was some ‘hash tag’ nonsense at work tooIn case you missed it? Briefly: Reuters - Merkel mocked online over refugee girl's tears
“The hashtag #merkelstreichelt (merkelstrokes) and video clip of Merkel's exchange with a roughly 10-year old girl went viral. The girl, identified as Reem, from Lebanon has lived in Germany for four years but her family may be forced to leave.”
During a discussion forum in the northern city of Rostock organized by the chancellor's office, Reem told Merkel in good German she wanted to study in Germany. It was unpleasant that she could not share the enjoyment of life experienced by her peers because of uncertainty over whether she will be able to stay, she said.
A 'roughly' 10 year old girl? The use of 'roughly' should set off alarm bells!Her family "may" be forced to leave? Or may be not!A discussion organized by the Chancellor's office............ Let’s here it from the 14 year old refugee, in her own words, a day after all the hoopla!Refugee defends German leader's response to her tearsA 14-year-old Palestinian refugee has defended the way the German leader dealt with her after she burst into tears while talking about her future.14 years old NOT 10 years old!
Angela Merkel was criticised for appearing to be unsympathetic when Reem Sahwil described what her life was like under threat of deportation.She had told the teenager that not all migrants can stay in Germany.Mrs Merkel (Quoting Reem) "listened to me and she also told me what she thinks about it, and I think that's OK," Reem told ARD TV.The conversation took place during a government-organised forum for young people, which was filmed and then broadcast.In the video, Reem tells Mrs Merkel that her family had been waiting four years to gain permanent residency in Germany.They were told they would have to return to a camp in Lebanon imminently - only to receive a last-minute temporary German residency permit, she said.
And the family is not being deported having received a last minute temporary German residency permit.
"I would like to go to university," said Reem, in fluent German."It's really very hard to watch how other people can enjoy life and you yourself can't. I don't know what my future will bring."Mrs Merkel replied (Reem reiterating) that "politics can be tough", adding: "You are an extremely nice person but you also know that there are thousands and thousands of people in Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon."Germany could not manage if all of them wanted to move there, she said.When Reem began to cry, Mrs Merkel went over to her and began stroking her on the back and telling her she had done well to highlight the difficulties facing refugees in Germany.Within hours of the video being broadcast, the term #Merkelstreichelt (Merkel strokes) trended on Twitter.
Psyoped! For what reason?Just a reminder there have been plenty of hashtag psychological operationsPhony Kony- I am Ukraine-Etc.,