Meet Jiri: A Life of Resilience on Hamburg's Streets
Meet Jiri, a 58-year-old man who has spent much of his life navigating the streets of Hamburg, barely making ends meet by selling Hinz&Kunzt. Born in 1967 in Teplice, Czech Republic, Jiri's journey has been marked by a desire for freedom, a series of petty crimes, and a lengthy prison sentence.
Growing up in Teplice near the German border, Jiri was the eldest of three brothers. He attended school and trained as a mechanic, but felt confined in his small town. In his late teens, he moved to Prague, seeking a bigger city life. However, his newfound freedom led him down a path of petty thefts and burglaries with acquaintances.
Jiri's criminal activities eventually landed him in prison, where he served time until the fall of the socialist Czechoslovak regime in 1989. After his release, he moved to Hamburg, where he has lived homeless for many years. He sells Hinz&Kunzt, a magazine published by Hinz&Kunzt gGmbH, outside Edeka on Gasstraße to make a living. Despite his struggles, Jiri remains resilient, determined to make the most of his life on the streets.
Jiri's life is a testament to the complexities of human resilience and the challenges faced by those living on the margins of society. Despite his past and current circumstances, he continues to sell Hinz&Kunzt, contributing to the magazine's mission to support Hamburg's homeless community. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding for those less fortunate.
