From refugee to author: Omar Khir Alanam teaches peace in Austrian schools

Omar Khir Alanam arrived in Austria from Syria a decade ago, and has since built a unique public profile. He is a published author, a cabaret artist, a podcast creator, and even a former participant on "Dancing Stars." Now, he dedicates much of his time to conducting workshops in schools, acting as a humorous explainer and cultural mediator.

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For me, peace does not just mean that there is no war. And war does not just mean that bombs fall, armies march, and people flee. War for me is also the readiness to use violence even where there is peace. These forms of war take place in the classroom, on the street, again and again. Peace for me is this ability to avoid precisely these wars or to resolve them peacefully.

His latest book, "Peace is Our Superpower," is a direct result of this work with young people. Aimed at children aged ten and older, the book combines factual knowledge, such as explaining the European Union, with Alanam's personal stories. He proposes that peace extends beyond the absence of armed conflict; it involves actively preventing and resolving everyday "wars" that can occur in classrooms and on streets.

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We all follow in the media that youth crime is an issue, conflicts in the classroom or on the internet. Or that young people withdraw and retreat, losing their peace, so to speak. That motivated me to address it. The book also deals with dealing with feelings. That was also an issue for me in the past.

Alanam shared his personal journey, recalling his childhood struggles with feeling small and inadequate. He expressed a wish that he had been spoken to more openly about strength and masculinity during his youth. As a father of two young sons, he feels a strong urge to speak out against the daily reports of violence, particularly that committed by men.

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I would have wished that someone had talked to me about it at eye level. Show me a different form, understanding of strength, of masculinity, of honor.

"School is a place where we can reach everyone," Alanam stated, reflecting on the touching moments he has experienced during his workshops. He believes that inspiration and understanding are crucial, but also emphasizes the need for clear boundaries, asserting that tolerance should not be exploited by the intolerant. His work aims to foster a deeper understanding of peace and conflict resolution among Austria's youth.

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When I hear a report of a violent act committed by a man almost every day, the man in me, the father, the author, the artist speaks, and I have the urgent need to raise my voice.