Syrians hail German Chancellor as mother

"She is like our mother, she has helped so many migrants," a Syrian said happily about German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

When Mrs. Merkel visited a migrant center in Berlin on September 10, crowds of Syrians cheered and competed to take selfies with her, according to AFP.

Ramadan Salah, 35, one of the lucky ones to make the trip to Germany, said people were delighted that Mrs Merkel was visiting. "It was a dream come true to have a photo with Mrs Merkel," he said.

Refugees compete to take selfies with Mrs. Merkel. Photo: AFP

While visiting a school for migrant children, the German chancellor expressed confidence that the country could handle the situation in the face of the largest wave of immigration in history.

"If thousands of people come to Berlin every day, it is a big challenge. But I have the impression that there is an extraordinary motivation, a great enthusiasm to face this challenge. We want to give them a good future," she said.

About 450,000 migrants have arrived in Germany so far, including 37,000 in the first week of this month, according to Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel. Facing a surge of migrants from Syria, Iraq and elsewhere, Germany expects to welcome 800,000 migrants this year, four times more than in 2014 and more than any other EU country combined.

With thousands arriving every day, migrants are housed in former schools, office buildings and even military barracks, with an estimated 14,500 people in 14 camps.

Another 5,000 are staying at a former US base in Giessen, Hesse state. More than a thousand are in large tents, with about 70-80 people in each. There, many children play while their parents find life acceptable.

"We are happy to be here, please don't send us back to Afghanistan," said a 30-year-old man.

Stefan Gruettner, the minister for social affairs in the state of Hesse, said the government's biggest challenge was ensuring accommodation for refugees as autumn approached and temperatures were expected to drop.

According to VNE