A SECOND World War refugee from Serbia who came to Scotland 70 years ago has narrated a powerful animated film of his story to help mark Christian Aid Week’s 60th anniversary and highlight its commitment to supporting refugees.
Theodor Davidovic, who is now 91, was orphaned as a child and sold into domestic service. He eventually joined the resistance to fight against Germany, but after the war he found himself in refugee camps in Italy and Germany.
At the age of 22, Davidovic escaped the refugee camps and made his way to Scotland, but he says he never forgot the food parcels he received from Christian Aid, and has supported the charity through the 60th year of its fundraising campaign, Christian Aid Week. Initially, he worked as a coal miner in Fife and, when he was 26, met his future wife Betty, from Kinglassie, at a dance hall in Kirkcaldy. “When I saw her, my legs went weak,” he says.
The couple married in 1953 and now have two sons and four grandchildren. Davidovic ran a successful shoe repair business in Edinburgh for 50 years, but retired when he was 76 to become Betty’s full-time carer.
“I came to Scotland as a refugee in 1947 and I am grateful for the sanctuary and safety that I found and I couldn’t have been happier,” he said.
Of his role as narrator, he adds: “We’ve had a giggle or two. I say to Betty that she’s married to a film star. The rest of my family haven’t seen the film yet but I’m looking forward to showing it to them.”
Over the 60 years of Christian Aid Week, Davidovic has run local youth club events, barbecues and plant sales to raise money for the charity, because he feels “I owe my life” to the cause.
He said: “Christianity is not only to come and pray and sing hymns. It is to put your belief in actions – helping somebody that needs your help and showing love and compassion to the wider world.
“When I was walking in the world as a refugee, there was at least peace in the world but now there is war and it is not people’s fault that they are refugees.”
As the charity marks the anniversary, it is inviting people to join them – and Theodor – standing in solidarity with refugees around the world.
Tens of millions of people across the globe are forced from their homes due to war, conflict and disaster, and many are forced to make life- threatening journeys in search of a safe place to call home. While most refugees today seek sanctuary in Africa, Asia and Latin America, around one million crossed into Europe in 2015. With borders now closed to refugees, thousands are stranded – and in need of urgent help.
Sally Foster-Fulton, head of Christian Aid Scotland, said: We are a global family and everyone is precious.
“Theodor’s lifelong commitment to loving his neighbour is an inspiration to us all and on this 60th anniversary of Christian Aid Week we celebrate all the people who make our vital work possible.
“There is so much work still to do. Millions of people still have no safe place to call home – men, women and children, our brothers and sisters – forced to flee conflict, danger and persecution. This Christian Aid Week we invite everyone to join us, standing in solidarity and support with refugees and those living in poverty.”
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