Richard and Alejandra Visit Open Arms in Badalona

Richard and Alejandra recently visited Open Arms in Badalona, engaging directly with the team behind the renowned NGO dedicated to rescuing refugees in the Mediterranean Sea. During their visit, Open Arms filmed Richard and Alejandra for a documentary commemorating the organization’s tenth anniversary this year 2025.

A Personal Commitment to Saving Lives

Richard and Alejandra visit Open Arms not just as public figures, but as advocates for refugees’ human rights. Their visit underscores the importance of the mission of Open Arms, an organization that has saved over 70,000 lives at sea over the last ten years. The couple toured the Open Arms facilities, met with the team and volunteers, and discussed the challenges faced by those risking their lives for a better future. The Gere’s presence brought attention to the ongoing refugee crisis and the critical work being done by the NGO.

A History of Support

This is not the first time Richard and Alejandra visit Open Arms. They first visited the Open Arms vessel in Barcelona in 2017. Two years later, in 2019, Richard boarded the Open Arms again in Lampedusa, this time to deliver supplies (food, water, etc.) and show solidarity with refugees stranded at sea. His action drew international attention to the plight of refugees and the importance of humanitarian aid. Alejandra Gere has also been actively involved with Open Arms for many years, participating in campaigns and raising awareness about the organization’s mission. In fact, it was Alejandra who brought Open Arms to Richard’s attention for the first time. Richard and Alejandra joint efforts highlight the power of collaborating with those groups on the ground doing the hardest part in advocating for those in need, whether in their countries of origin or in the European shores.

Raising Awareness Through Media

The couple’s visit was covered by various media outlets, emphasizing the significance of their support. For instance, in a recent interview with La Sexta’s “El Objetivo,” Richard Gere expressed his admiration for Open Arms, stating that Spain should be proud of the organization’s exemplary efforts in saving lives. This interview was filmed on the NGO’s vessel Astral – ready to launch a new search and rescue mission in the Mediterranean Sea, Additionally, the couple shared a family photo on social media, wearing matching Open Arms hoodies to show their support. This gesture helped bring further attention to the NGO’s mission and encouraged others to get involved.

Continuing the Mission

The visit of Richard and Alejandra to Open Arms serves as a reminder of the ongoing refugee crisis at the doors of Europe and the importance of each of us taking personal responsibility to solving it. Their involvement brings much-needed visibility to the challenges faced by refugees and the organizations working tirelessly to assist them. As the couple continues to use their platforms to advocate for human rights, their support of Open Arms exemplifies that individuals can have an enormous impact when they choose to stand up for those in search of a better future.