Testimonies
Mark's Story: "such warmth and kindness left me feeling hopeful"
On Tuesday 9th of June I woke up to the news of the attack in North Belfast the night before. I spent the rest of the day indoors glued to my phone watching reports of ‘protesters’ burning people out of their homes, enforcing ad-hoc checkpoints and rioting in the streets. I’m a tutor in a school, and on Wednesday I was told that one of my students was too anxious to come to school. After another threatening message was circulated that morning, all lessons were cancelled and the school was closed early to ensure the children made it home safely. The following day I joined a ‘community and solidarity’ group on WhatsApp. The group was set up by Anaka Women’s Collective and an NGO called PPR, to provide aid and support for migrants under threat. On Friday 12th June I responded to some of the requests in the group. I picked up a family of four from a hotel, where they stayed the night before as they didn’t feel safe in their own home. I brought them to the central hub where volunteers were providing food, resources and shelter during the day. The mother spoke good English and the children bounced into the back seat with enthusiastic hellos. Thankfully they seemed blissfuly unaware of the situation and seemed to see the whole thing as a big adventure. They laughed and joked the whole journey and took great delight in telling me their names and how old they were. After dropping the family off, I went across town to collect 500 takeaway containers to be used to distribute food that was being made at the shelter. As I went to purchase them from the checkout, the assistant graciously pointed out that I was in-fact about to purchase 500 lids without the cartons. Community care at its finest. My last job of the day was to pick up a prescription for a woman that lived alone and was scared to leave her house. She was young but walked with a crutch. I can’t imagine what she had to do to get here, and for her to be smiling and meeting me with such warmth and kindness left me feeling hopeful. In the community care hub I saw a team of people working tirelessly to support the victims of these attacks. I feel as though that scene represents the people of Belfast much more than the bleak headlines.
Peadar's Story: "I am very glad to be a tiny part of this large powerful body"
My own involvement the last week was focused on the softer community engagement stuff as I felt I couldn't be much use with the emergency response being stuck in work all day and not having a car to give lifts to people. We organised 2 community get-togethers, one on my street, Eglantine Avenue on the Wednesday evening and the other beside Fane Street primary school on Saturday. I just talked to my neighbours, left notes for the ones I thought might need some help, and told less experienced people who wanted to do something to help what they could do and what to say to their own neighbours. There were a bunch of CATU people who were out knocking doors of houses on that HMO "hit list" on Friday afternoon and they were very glad for somewhere to relax and regroup on the Wednesday evening in our community garden. I am very glad to be a tiny part of this large powerful body of organisers and I'm sharing because I do think what I did was useful in and it's something small that anyone could do if they wanted to help.
Catherine's Story: "the bad actors who brought shame on the city are greatly outnumbered"
My name is Catherine Crean, I am the creator of the music integration project Tunes Translated. For the past week, my days have played out very differently from how they usually do. I watched the hatred descending on Belfast, leading to what can only be described as racist pogroms. As an ESOL tutor to newcomer populations, and coordinator of a music project which seeks to facilitate integration between locals, migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, my first role was getting in touch with my contacts past and present, to ensure that they could feel safe and would have the resources and signposting they needed to deal with the coming days. From then on, I wanted to do what I could on the ground to help those affected. I volunteered with Anaka and PPR. Practically speaking, I spent several days in my car, giving lifts and delivering essentials to those who needed it across all of Belfast. On a personal level, I experienced firsthand the emotional load of those impacted by what happened in our city. To give some examples; I found myself taking a young woman to and from her cancer treatment, delivering essentials to a family with a 12-day old baby, and helping a family with a disabled caregiver to top up their gas and electric. When I was unable to personally help, it took mere minutes from my receiving requests to finding people eager to assist within our community action groups. Those affected were people seeking to live their lives without putting themselves or their families in unsafe situations. The darkness of the past week hurt the most vulnerable of our society. My experience this past week has been one of sadness and hope. The response from Anaka and PPR has been astounding - their rallying the community shows the bad actors who brought shame on the city are greatly outnumbered.
Mel's Story: "I am in awe of the organising I witnessed over the last week"
A week of driving solidarity taxi was surreal. It was a week of dread and fear intermingled with acts of absolute ordinariness. Despite violent nights and intimidation on many fronts, kids needed to be at school on time in the morning, teenagers needed to sit their exams, babies needed to visit the GP, and parents needed groceries to feed their families. We would chat in the car about everyday things: the rainy weather, the end of the school year, the things we like about Belfast; but we also sometimes chatted about danger. My passengers asked questions that I could not answer: When will we be safe again? How long will it be like this? These are not ordinary everyday worries. I am in awe of the organising I witnessed over the last week. I saw a support network assembled within hours and responses mobilised in minutes as needs became evident. I saw people pitching in any way they could. People with cars drove them, people with legal experience helped with paperwork, people with spare rooms opened them up, people with kitchens prepared food. Community organisations joined forces and stepped up with wide open doors to leave no doubt that “community” means all of us.
Michelle's Story: "the majority of people are kind"
When I heard about the terrible stabbing of a man in North Belfast I was horrified and my immediate thoughts were with the victim and his family. I soon became concerned that this incident would be used to scapegoat our ethnic minority communities in Northern Ireland as has previously happened in recent years, however, I could not have imagined the extent of the backlash and soon I was hearing reports of families being threatened and forced to move out of their homes. The police response was slow and it was volunteers (mostly women) who went to rescue families from burning homes, at great risk to thenselves. I felt angry and powerless as I scrolled through video after video on my phone. I felt increasingly frightened for ethnic and minority people living here, many of whom were afraid to leave their homes to go to work, go shopping for food, attend medical appointments, or to send their children to school for fear of being attacked. When I was invited to join a group of volunteers which was set up to help the Anaka Women's Collective, CATU and PPR to support people during this crisis I jumped at the chance. It felt better to be doing something about what was unfolding than to sit worrying about it at home. I was just one of hundreds of volunteers who came together at short notice. It has been a privilege to help and I have been humbled by the gratitude, dignity and quiet strength of the families I have met during this time. People, some of whom had little to nothing, welcomed me into their homes, shared food with me and thanked me for helping them. They expressed that it was heartening for them to know that people cared and that they were not alone. Many expressed horror at the stabbing in North Belfast and sympathy with the victim and stressed that this behaviour did not reflect the values of their community. During this time I have learnt more about the Anaka group and others, and the amazing work they do to support women, men and families from ethnic and minority communities, many of whom have arrived here already very traumatised. I witnessed the relief on people's faces when they arrived to a warm welcome in a safe space. It is easy to feel like you are alone in how you feel when you witness awful events unfolding on TV or on your phone screen, seeing masses of people on the streets supporting what amounted to pogroms (and that was just my experience as a white person, who wasn’t at risk or directly affected by these events), but when we come together you realise that there are many, many more people who feel the same way you do and that the majority of people are kind, welcoming and want to embrace diversity and peace. Over the past week I have seem the best and the worst of Northern Ireland and it gives me great hope that love will always triumph over hate. It is more important than ever that we continue to work together and forge new partnerships to welcome and support our ethnic and minority community. Our lives are far richer for knowing them and welcoming them into our communities.
Emma's Story: "children had been inside all week too afraid to leave their homes"
Last week after the horrific violence in Belfast tensions were high as people realised that one awful act was going to be used as justification for violence against others. I drove home from work early and fear set in across Belfast. Right on time, the streets were quiet apart from those going to protest. A drone and helicopter hovered above, and friends called to ask was I OK after seeing our area on the news, it was frightening to think what an unchecked mob might have done fuelled by misplaced hatred for anyone not from Northern Ireland, rather than the man who committed the crime. I think race crime is like most violent crime, just more gender-based violence which I’m sure women suffer from in the same way they do here. These protests certainly didn’t make the women and children I know feel any safer. After an unsettled night and news of much worse across the city I went to work, but all day swayed between a range of emotions feeling that we were all being held to ransom by a few people. My heart went out to the people of colour caught up and blamed in something that has nothing to do with them. The violence that had happened and the thought of more to come really upset me. Rather than spend another night watching the horror unfold on social media I looked for the helpers and drove into town to help in whatever way I could. I ended up in a place of sanctuary, where 100’s of people from small babies to old people arrived, car after carload, all brought by wonderful and brave people, mostly women. My role on the night was just helping feed people, clear dishes, pack care parcels etc. and give lots of comfort, and say sorry, I’m so sorry over and over. What else could you say? The night flew by and the teamwork was amazing as people just saw what needed done and got on with it. A few leaders within the group kept incredibly calm and stayed focused and by the end of the night 100’s of people had found a safe place to sleep. The stories I heard were heartbreaking and again I said sorry, sorry, sorry. People went home with strangers to an uncertain future, and I went back to my life, out to the gym and work etc. which felt strange knowing how many people were suffering so I kept helping. Over the next few days, the mobilisation and organisation within a WhatsApp group, food preparation etc was seriously impressive. The quick responses to requests were phenomenal. I gave people lifts to get groceries, brought children out to play etc. Seeing women and children who didn’t know me just get into my car and thank me repeatedly was humbling. The children had been inside all week too afraid to leave their homes and yet they were apologising to me for my trouble. I can’t thank everyone who came to Saturday’s rally enough, it was seen and appreciated by many traumatised people this week. This situation we are in is tough, but every act helps and the helpers are all amazing and inspiring people, much better to be with than watching the news.
Marta's Story: "there was fear in her eyes"
Shortly after news of the attack in North Belfast broke, I bumped into my Muslim neighbour. She is always friendly, but this time there was fear in her eyes. She didn’t know what reaction she would get from the people living around her, and that broke my heart. She knew what was coming. For the next two days, we were effectively on lockdown. The area felt eerie. I found myself scrolling through social media, checking lists of addresses and wondering: was our neighbourhood next? Were we on that list? And as I passed people in the street, I caught myself wondering who was involved in the riots and who wasn't. In all of this, I felt lonely and powerless. I texted some friends, and they told me about the community response being organised. I rushed to help and to be with others. The truth is, I needed that community as much as anyone needed help. That collective action restored my love for Belfast, the city I have called home for more than 18 years. Together, we delivered food, groceries and infant formula. We offered lifts, shared meals, gave hugs, and shed tears together. That is what makes a community: not a flag, not tribalism, but people caring for one another deeply, when it matters most.
Rasha's Story: "I am incredibly proud to be part of this"
This week has been an exceptional and inspiring experience working with Anaka and Kind Economy, as we joined forces to confront the recent racism crisis by providing practical and humanitarian support to those affected. Our efforts focused on making a tangible impact on the ground by delivering meals and essential aid to families and individuals, who were displaced or trapped in their homes. We also provided safe transport for those afraid or unable to leave their homes while public transport was suspended. I was overjoyed to see the massive number of volunteers and participants who stood hand in hand against hate. It was an excellent experience filled with positive energy, proving to us all that solidarity and kindness are the strongest response in times of crisis. I am incredibly proud to be part of this great humanitarian work.
Therese's Story: "I felt so helpless and angry... I've been here before in NI"
On Wednesday morning after the rioting overnight I was crying with helpless anger. My work was cancelled due to road blocks and safety fears. It was a craft workshop- sponsored by Belfast learning festival which cost the Belfast City Council thousands of pounds. I felt so helpless and angry. I'm 64 years of age , I've been here before in NI. My grandparents were burnt out of their home and business because of their religion. I googled community groups and came across the Anaka Collective. I decided to drive down and offer my services, whatever could be of use. A family of six needed safe accommodation, my five children have grown up and moved out, I offered to help. By the time I arrived at Anaka, it was like a war zone, families in shock, women and children milling about. A Sudanese girl got a call from her friends nearby, they were terrified. I offered a lift and brought a Granny, Mum, Dad and two daughters to Anaka. They were so scared. Over the next few days I hosted a girl from Somalia, a girl from Nigeria, a lady from South Africa and a family of four from Sudan, including a four year old non verbal autistic boy. They were confused, scared and fearful for their lives. They were frightened that they may be attacked near my house because of their skin colour. After pizza and tea they settled and we had the loveliest of times. Wanting to show gratitude they cooked amazing meals, would not take ANY money when we visited an Asian supermarket for supplies. We tasted gorgeous exotic foods, had the most interesting conversations watching the news. I learnt some lovely African traditions. My house was filled with fun and laughter. Three wee rascally children running about was beautiful. My dog and cat were brushed and spoiled like never before. I honestly had the loveliest of times. When they felt safe to go home, one asked to stop at Tesco. She bought me a £10 bunch of flowers. This girl gets £7 per day to live on! I ferried some young men from Somalia around: strong, resilient, respectful 20-22 year olds who were tired confused and frightened. They said they had met angels tonight in Anaka. The way Anaka mobilised and got organised from Tuesday night was so so impressive. Just a bunch of ordinary women doing ordinary things - stepping up and sorting out. They organised support, lifts, WhatsApp groups, everything. Just amazing - with a a few mobile phones and a Church hall they changed the lives of 100s of frightened families. I was so proud to be associated with them and intend to volunteer with them in the future. One of my guests said "It was both the worst and best day of my life", worst because she feared for her life, best because she met kind people willing to help. She said "after fearing I would not survive I know that there are kind people in NI. "Honestly it was a pleasure and a privilege to host and help out. From my near despair after Tuesday's rioting, I immediately felt lighter and more hopeful for NI once I was able to help Anaka.
Rev. Nigel Craig's Story: "honoured to provide a shelter in the storm"
Following a brutal attack in North Belfast, and the rioting that ensued, the Presbyterian Chaplaincy at Queen's University (Derryvolgie Hall) gave emergency accommodation to nine ladies from Sub-Saharan Africa. We were honoured to provide a shelter in the storm. The minister from Cooke Centenary Presbyterian Church, Rev. Dave Gray, and his wife Jayne, supplied the ladies with food and other provisions. Members of a local charity, Acacia Path, also brought food, along with abundant supplies of hope and joy. That same week, the annual Presbyterian General Assembly took place in Belfast. As with many other organisations in the city, (schools, universities, and businesses etc) our activities were significantly disrupted. Providentially, one of our overseas delegates happened to be the Lebanese President of a Theological College in the Middle East. Speaking from personal experience of living in a conflict zone and existing in the margins of society, he urged members of the Assembly (ministers and elders) to practice Christian hospitality, especially in moments of disorientation and displacement. Truly, a fitting message for the week that unfolded! Rev. Nigel Craig, Presbyterian Chaplain to Queen's University Belfast & Lyndsey Ballantine, Lay Assistant Chaplain.
Fionnuala's Story: "the response was powerful and showed real solidarity"
Being involved in the response to these horrific attacks was incredibly difficult, with shock and sadness felt across the community. It was especially distressing as valued members of our area were impacted. What stood out most was how quickly the community rallied together, volunteers stepped forward immediately, offering time, support and practical help wherever it was needed. People who hadn’t worked together before came together with a shared focus on supporting those affected and ensuring no one was left alone in what they were going through. Through volunteers and essential organisations, we were able to respond in a coordinated way, building new connections and strengthening links across the community. Despite the circumstances, the response was powerful and showed real solidarity, care and the strength of collective action in a time of crisis. Maith thú to everyone involved
Cony's Story: "Hundreds and thousands of beautiful kind people working together "
Last week, I found myself feeling completely sad. How can this be happening in a friendly and welcoming Northern Ireland…. The truth is that it happens all the time without our knowledge, communities living in fear, specially around summertime…. The images and the news about the attacks on families, health carers, and other migrants from other parts of the world looking for shelter, safety, education… opened a Pandora’s box. My believe in human kindness came back as I saw and participated with different groups, organisations and individuals getting together lending a hand to support and assist in any way we could to alleviate the fear, the need of shelter, basic needs and food of our friends in time of need. Hundreds and thousands of beautiful kind people working together 24-7 for a week, this experience will stay with me, and I hope I will still be there when needed. It was so, so beautiful and wonderful to see how, when working together so much good we can do. On a reflecting thought, it has been a revelation for many of the local community to see the reality of the families who came to N. I to feel safe and how health careers live every day. Many friendships, support and kindness are the result - giving so much strength in our adopted land. Thank you, muchas gracias to you all beautiful humans!
Rob's Story: "a lot of people were restless to help"
After the racist violence broke out last week, it was easy to get wrapped up in feelings of despair and helplessness. Seeing constant photos and videos of stones being thrown through people's windows, buses being burnt out and threats towards people's safety on a constant loop for hours online, it would have been so easy to give in to those feelings. I think a lot of people were restless to help. So getting involved with Anaka, being able to offer lifts and deliver groceries and overall contribute to helping to keep people safe and seeing all the other people doing the same and much more was really heartening. It really helped me see how those involved in the racist riots were not in the majority. That, on top of the Unite Against Racism rally on Saturday attended by thousands of people, really put into perspective. There are thousands of people who will not stand for this racist violence and who want to ensure that everyone who lives in Northern Ireland maintains their rights to safety and peace.
Rossa's Story: "I wanted to help"
On the night of 9th of June, I wanted to help. People in my city were being attacked by racists. My friend was sheltering in a church with frightened young men who had fled a hostel. She directed me to Anaka - the collective was organising. I was thinking of those trapped in their homes, vulnerable in certain flashpoint areas, people who were ill, who had small children, people who didn't have the luxury of being able to drive to work, to the shop, to order their groceries online, or wait safely for a bus. Exams had to be sat, appointments attended. Our WhatsApp group filled with people who wanted to help people across the city, to ensure they were supported. Anaka was/is a hub of connectivity and positivity, and this experience has reinforced my belief in the power of mutual aid and community. When one of us is attacked, we are all attacked, but so many of us are ready to respond with love, kindness and action. ❤️✊
Hassan's Story: "What are they protesting for? What did we do to them?"
Hassan is an asylum seeker from Yemen. Arriving in Belfast late December 2025, Hassan was housed with others in the Chimney Corner Hotel in Newtownabbey by the UK Home Office. Chimney Corner Hotel is the site of anti-immigrant protests throughout the last year. “We are here seeking peace. We want a better life, just like they want… to work, to study, to learn something new, to integrate with the community here”See the full video here. Names have been changed to protect the identity of the author.
Reem's Story: "We should not be feeling this way in this city"
Reem from Syria talks about her experience of being harassed by a street preacher in Belfast City Centre who confronted her about her faith. "I've felt very disappointed because I've felt a belonging to this city for 4 years and it is the first time I feel this feeling. .. "See the full video here. Names have been changed to protect the identity of the author.
Rasha's Story: "I feel as if my wings have been cut off"
I entered my house and locked the door, I began to break down and cry. I feel as if my wings have been cut off. I’ve lost my appetite, and my thoughts are lost somewhere between returning to death or staying in this hell. The days are heavy, as if hope has left my life forever. It is all night now, but I can't sleep; the sun is shining, but morning never comes. When I step outside again, my heartbeat increases, I tremble, but I try to hold myself together, smile, and pretend to be strong. I feel terrified to leave the house. Do you want to know why? ! Because of a behaviour or a word that came out of someone’s mouth, either forgetting or ignoring my humanity—that I am a “(bad word)” immigrant who came to take everything from them. That person says their words or behaves in an inhumane way and then leaves, but they do not realize the impact it has on my mental state, which can lead to suicide, depression, or at the very least, a loss of passion. Please think before you say anything. A word is a responsibility. Your words can either harm or bring hope. Choose wisely. Together against racism. Names have been changed to protect the identity of the author.
Ahmed’s Story: "My mother screamed"
One day, I was with my family, enjoying ourselves and telling jokes. To be honest, the best part was the food. Next, I heard a big, loud bang at the door; it sounded like an explosion. It shocked me out of pure fear. I was furious, wondering what would happen next. The door opened wide, and here came the battle. All I heard were tearful screams and people disrespecting us like we were nothing but dust; my fear was sucking away my happiness. My mother screamed, as if it were her last word, for me to go upstairs and hide. I ran as fast as I could. I went to the bedroom where my mother tells me mindful stories, and I locked the door. I felt like we were in an endless hell, surrounded by evil demons laughing at us. All my thoughts had gone nowhere. I felt like someone full of hate was drawing a cage around me in an endless, scary nightmare. I felt like my happiness had gone to a dark, scary hall—a place from which no one could return. They left the place like a deadly jungle, leaving the emotions that kept us safe forgotten; our hopeful thoughts couldn't handle it. There was no time to waste, as my time in this world was not yet expired. It was no time to cry; I had to be a strong man and show my true form, but my tearful thoughts had brought me down, leaving me feeling chained. When the evil people left with their lovely lives, never to be bullied themselves, I went downstairs and took a risk. I saw shattered glass, a destroyed TV, and broken chairs. They left the place like a deadly jungle, leaving the emotions that kept us safe forgotten; our hopeful thoughts couldn't handle it. Why were they doing this? The question stayed with me after they left. We called the police, but they did nothing, acting like mindless beings. The answer I found for why they did this was that they were full of hate, and their anger gave them the power to make different people feel ashamed. No matter how wrong it was, they thought they could get rid of us. But the only thing that made us even is that we are humans; we should be treated like we are family, knowing we can live with each other. No matter how we are different in shape and colour, we will always be a family; that is what makes us human. Names have been changed to protect the identity of the author.