By Maydaa Abo El-Nadar
The outcomes of the massive demonstration which took place in Austria last Monday were fruitful, as on Friday afternoon, Syrian refugees moved from Budapest to Vienna. They were picked up by the Hungarian police and transmitted to the borders where Austrian NGOs were waiting for them at the borders, although some remain in Hungary.
This latest incident in Austria has also raised the awareness of citizens in some Arab countries, such as Tunisia, including the cities of Tunis, Aryanah, Banzart and Nabeul, who expressed their desire to receive Syrian refugees.
After a Facebook user posted a now widespread famous comment “We will tell our children that Syrian migrants fled their country to come to Europe when Mecca and Muslim lands were closer to them”, Arab countries such as Egypt and the Gulf states were blamed for their passive stance.
In this regard, an Austrian citizen, who preferred to remain anonymous, told Daily News Egypt: “I do not know the situation in these countries and if they are able to receive the Syrian refugees or no, what I am definitely sure about is that it is our duty to help them [the Syrian refugees].”
The Austrian citizen said that demonstrators had gathered at Christian-Broda-Platz near the Westbahnhof in Austrian capital, Vienna. “We walked along the Mariahilfer Straße [in central Vienna], and it was supposed to end at the other end of the street, but we walked until we reached the Austrian parliament,” she added. Mariahilfer Straße is Vienna’s longest and most lively shopping street.
The demonstration was large, and included different social groups whether children, youth and old people, from all parts of Austria. Even tourists joined in the march.
The Austrian police said in a statement that around 20,000 people demonstrated against the treatment given to the Syrian refugees, welcoming them to Austria, especially after the ill-treatment they received in Hungary.
The source added: “I do not agree with how Hungary dealt with the situation. We all have to stand by their side, it is not about nationality or religion, it is a human obligation.”
