Greek grandmother welcomes refugees into home in Idomeni

In absence of a common language, refugees simply call her “Mama”.

The Greek border village of Idomeni has become a makeshift home for thousands of refugees.

In recent days it has witnessed Macedonian police attack migrants with tear gas and rocks; and today the Greek army executed a military exercise in response to “frequent provocations by the Turkish army”.

All the while, an estimated 11,000 refugees are living in desperate conditions.

One local, 82-year-old, Panagiota Vasileiadou is welcoming refugees into her home.

Greek grandmother welcomes refugees into home in Idomeni

She appreciates what these people are going through after losing her family home during the Second World War.

"I was seven years old when our house was burned down.

“We didn’t have a spoon, fork, bread or clothes. The only thing we had left were the nightgowns we were wearing.”

She provides for her guests using her monthly €450 pension and whatever her children can give.

“This old woman made our lives easier”, says Baraa, an Iraqi refugee.

“She made the kids happy and said you can come any time when she heard that their mother was dead.”

“I thank her so much and she represents the Greek people and what Greece stands for.”

Vasileiadou considers her guests to be family

In absence of a common language, her guests address her as “Mama”.

“My life changed because I have company in the house”, explains Vasileiadou.

“I talk, we laugh. Even though we can’t understand each other.”