Palestinian teen who Merkel made cry wins longer stay

German chancellor was criticized for cold remark to Reem Sahwil, who went on to say she hopes Israel will disappear

By AP and ToI Staff 24 December 2015, 7:39 pm

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German Chancellor Angela Merkel attempts to comfort Reem Sawhil, a young Palestinian refugee facing deportation, during a televised debate on the country's asylum policies. (Screen capture)

A teenage Palestinian asylum seeker who broke down in tears after a blunt remark from Chancellor Angela Merkel has won permission to stay in Germany for another year.

Germany’s Bild newspaper reported that Reem Sahwil and her family had received an extension through March 2017 due to good integration into society. Bild cited unnamed immigration officials in the town of Rostock in northeast Germany.

During a town hall-style meeting in July, Merkel brought the 14-year-old to tears after she said her family had been waiting four years for permanent residence status.

Merkel told her Germany can’t accommodate everyone, but outlined her government’s desire to speed up asylum applications. Merkel’s remark and awkward attempt to comfort the girl was criticized by opposition politicians, but she later said she appreciated Merkel’s honesty.

Sahwil later made headlines for telling the German weekly Die Welt that she hoped Israel disappears.