Focolare Movement

Indonesia: concert for the refugees

Jun 15, 2016

The Youth for a United World of Medan organized a concert that was held on 14 May to promote peace for the refugees camped in Greece. A solidarity bridged through music.

20160615-01The crisis of the refugees in Europe, along with its figures, the number of deaths, and the closed frontiers, is awaiting the world’s response, as well as that of many generous people. The news from Indonesia comes as the answer of the Youth for a United World in the city of Medan, Indonesia (four million inhabitants). “We could not turn a deaf ear to the refugees camped in Greece, and we wanted to do something concrete for them. So we decided to plan our United World Week 2016 by organizing a concert to gather funds for them. It was our way of giving strong affirmation that peace is possible and starts from each of us, with concrete actions.” “We had two weeks to prepare the event, which was not much, but we thought that we would succeed if we worked hard, forgetting our fatigue and economic difficulties. To cover the organisational expenses we sang even in restaurants. But God’s Providence came to our aid and we managed to pay for the lease of a hall, part of the sound system and other items.” “When I saw all those young people in the audience – says Ika – I tried not to think of myself but of the refugees, and took courage. “From the technical viewpoint – some confessed with great simplicity – «we made so many mistakes, but the atmosphere of enthusiasm and joy of the 350 participants convinced us that it was all worth the while!” Even a choir of four singers of a Catholic University wanted to contribute to the peace concert.” “The proceeds of € 600 correspond to three or four months’ basic salary in Indonesia, which is not much, but we were so happy that we managed to give our drop of help for our brethren in difficulty.” “It was an extraordinary experience – stressed Randi – I strongly felt that the differences in religions and ethnic groups are in reality very meaningful. I hope that many hearts have been touched and start loving with concrete gestures.” “On a wall poster entitled “Let’s bridge,” the participants signed up with their commitment to build peace.”

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