TIME: Mr. Roebke, you have been helping communities affected by disasters for 25 years. How do you entertain properly?
Albi Roebke: It’s best not to entertain at all. Only those affected can do this themselves. In certain situations there is no consolation. If a child dies in an accident, this is initially a hopeless situation.
TIME: When someone around you is grieving, you often feel helpless. You don’t really know how to behave.
Roebke: You certainly have to be honest and then say: I don’t know what to say. Many are afraid of making mistakes and start avoiding people who have lost someone. This is much worse than a wrong sentence. People in crisis have sensitive antennae. Even if you say something funny, most people realize that the intention behind it is good.
