Few foreigners in eastern Germany, but chill of xenophobia persists

Frankfurt (Oder)

A SOCIAL worker in the drab eastern German city of Frankfurt an der Oder admits she feels isolated at work whenever talk turns to the country's record influx of refugees.

"I have to say that my colleagues are not very friendly towards foreigners and I am almost alone in my opinion," Elisabeth, who gave just her first name, told AFP.

Foreigners are rarely seen in the former communist city about 100 km east of Berlin, but as in much of eastern Germany, there is deep suspicion towards migrants.

With its attacks …