Andreas Tölke, a celebrated journalist and humanitarian, was awarded an honorary doctorate by Arden University in 2024 in recognition of his impactful work with refugees. In this interview, conducted to mark the award, Tölke reflects on his humanitarian journey, sharing insights into his efforts to bring about meaningful change in the face of global crises.
Andreas Tölke's journey is a remarkable story of creativity, resilience, and compassion. For over 25 years, Tölke has explored the depths of human experience, traveling across continents and immersing himself in the worlds of art, culture, and humanitarianism. His work as a journalist, entrepreneur, and humanitarian has not only broken boundaries but has also profoundly impacted those in need.
His career began in streets of post-Berlin Wall Germany, where he witnessed the societal transformation firsthand. “I moved here because I had the impression this is the place to be to really experience,” he recalls, reflecting on the dynamic fusion of two distinct systems. Initially covering contemporary arts, design, and architecture—fields often overlooked by mainstream media—Tölke quickly broadened his horizons.
His curiosity drove him to explore cultures across the globe, from the bustling streets of China to the dynamic cultures of Africa. “It's something I felt compelled to do,” he says of his exploration of creativity’s intersection with commerce. This intersection led to his investigation of how individuals built companies while retaining their artistic integrity.
Tölke’s motivations were deeply personal, shaped by his family's history of persecution during the Holocaust. “My grandparents died as Jews in a concentration camp. If they had been able to escape earlier, I could have grown up with them,” he reflects. This family history ignited a profound sense of responsibility to support vulnerable communities. It was in 2015, during the height of the refugee crisis in Germany, that his humanitarian journey truly took off.
In response to the crisis, Tölke joined the organization Be an Angel, a group initially founded to support children in need. “This is not my club,” he clarifies, “It was founded a long time ago by middle-class people. In 2015, it was revitalised, and many new members, including me, joined.” What began as a voluntary endeavor evolved into a full-time commitment, as Tölke provided housing and support for countless refugees. “Hundreds of refugees have stayed at my apartment,” he explains. He has since helped find jobs, lawyers, and housing for many more.
While much of his work is focused on direct aid, Tölke is also active on a political level. "We also work at a political level, lobby, sit on specialist committees," he explains. His humanitarian efforts are not limited to providing immediate relief but also working towards systemic change. However, for Tölke, the most meaningful moments are the small victories that remind him of the human impact of his work. He recounts one such moment: “The best thing is when someone gets a six-month temporary residence permit after four hours at the immigration office, can’t believe it, and leans against the wall trembling because the weight is lifted from their shoulders.”
In 2015, Tölke took his humanitarian work a step further by co-founding the restaurant Kreuzberger Himmel in Berlin, staffed entirely by refugees. The restaurant’s success defied initial skepticism and became a powerful symbol of integration. “We wanted to change the narrative,” he emphasises. “Integration is not just a buzzword; it’s a tangible reality.”
His commitment to refugee support has expanded over the years, taking him beyond Berlin. Tölke now works nationwide, as well as internationally, providing aid and support to those in crisis. One of the most significant initiatives was his relocation to Odessa, Ukraine, during the early stages of the Ukraine war. “I thought, OK, if the people can't make it to the border, we have to pick them up,” he recounts. Despite the personal danger, Tölke helped evacuate over 22,000 individuals and organised aid worth over €7 million.
His work is not without its challenges. “We also fail,” he admits, recalling how deported refugees sometimes face tragic consequences. “We lost eight people who were deported to Afghanistan, three of whom are now dead”. Despite the frustrations posed by bureaucracy and adversity, Tölke remains committed. “When it comes to human lives, giving up is simply not an option.”
Tölke’s humanitarian efforts extend across borders, collaborating with organisations like the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and local groups in countries like Afghanistan, Greece, and Turkey. “We support families still waiting for reunification,” he explains. In Greece’s Moria camp, designed for 3,500 people but housing over 14,000, the bureaucracy around family reunifications makes conditions dire. "The bureaucracy in Greece is completely overwhelmed," he says, underscoring the urgent need for policy reform.
Tölke's work has been widely recognised, not only in Germany but also internationally. From receiving the Medal of Honor from the German President to being awarded a doctorate by Arden University for his charity work, his accolades reflect his unwavering commitment to making a difference. “It’s a title, you know,” he remarks about his honorary doctorate. “But it’s more than that—it’s a symbol of validation for the work we’ve done.”
His journey is one of finding meaning through service and responsibility. "I worked as a journalist in the luxury sector for 30 years," Tölke explains. "I think luxury is important, meaningful, sustainable... but I always thought I take an awful lot from this world and give very little back." His humanitarian work, then, became a way to realign his life’s mission.
Looking to the future, Tölke advocates for changes in refugee policies: "Safe escape routes and the opportunity to start a new life here." He firmly believes in the power of compassion, solidarity, and collective action, and continues to challenge the systems that marginalise the vulnerable.
In a world filled with adversity, Andreas Tölke’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through empathy, resilience, and unwavering dedication to others. From the streets of Berlin to the conflict zones of Ukraine, his story is one of human connection, practical action, and hope for a better tomorrow.
