Life under police protection: Islamism expert Ahmad Mansour admitted in “MUT-Talk”: He is a “very anxious person” and struggles every day to stop smoking. But his adopted country, Germany, allowed him to continue fighting.
Renowned expert on Islamism Ahmad Mansour was a tireless fighter for enlightenment and democracy. He lives with constant police protection and recently reported exhaustion accompanying him and his family in the ongoing emergency.
Tijen Onaran confronted Mansour directly in his own words: “How big is the danger that you will immediately say: I’m out, I can’t do it anymore?” After a moment of silence, Ahmad Mansour began his blunt confession.
Ahmad Mansour: Fear and exhaustion in fighting for democracy
Ahmad Mansour, a Palestinian-Israeli who knows both sides of the conflict from personal experience, described how heavy the burden was in his life.
“This is a decision I make every day,” Mansour said, referring to the balance between remaining silent to protect the family and going public.
Mansour broke his image as a fearless fighter: “I wasn’t brave at all, even though tonight was called that. I’m a very scared person, that’s why there were times where I said I don’t want this anymore.”
He explains that quitting smoking can be “very easy”. However, even though his wife also experienced fear and stress, Mansour always supported her, he had a clear stance.
Show attitude and be an example: Mansour’s Motivation
Instead of just talking about the negative aspects, Mansour immediately turned the conversation to the source of his strength.
For him, the protection of the state is a sign of strength: “The fact that I live in a country that protects me so that I can express my opinion shows how strong this society is.”
Her motivation also comes from the support she receives: “The fact that I meet so many people every day who say to me: Thank you for your work gives me a lot of motivation.” He also drew strength from his team, which “went every day to the darkest corners of Germany” to find the perpetrators.
Mansour stressed that Germany is his adopted home: “I chose this society. I wasn’t born here or grew up here. I’ve lived for 20 years, this is my adopted home. And I want to protect this society, I want to protect my daughter, I want all the children in this society to have a better future – and that doesn’t come for free.”
Finally, he called on all citizens to also take action: “People must open their mouths and take a stand, and I want to be an example so that people finally stand up and protect this democracy.”
