MICHAEL RÄBER

Operations manager for security and logistics and captain in the Swiss army. Lives with his wife Rahel Räber, a veterinarian, in Keisen near Bern. During a holiday in Greece in summer 2015, the couple experience the refugee crisis firsthand and decide there and then to do something to help. They later found the aid organization “Schwizerchrüz”, which gradually attracts more and more volunteers. Michael packs in his job so he can help out on the ground in Greece, while Rahel stays in Switzerland working as a vet to support them both financially. In 2017, Michael is awarded the Prix Courage for his dedication and hard work. After the birth of his son, he initially withdraws from the day-to-day running of the organization. However, the whole family has since gone to stay on the Greek island of Samos to work on a follow-up project.