Ernst Reuter was first Lord Mayor of West Berlin, then Governing Mayor Photo: bpk / Benno Wundshammer
By Mareike Sophie Drünkler
It’s that voice that sticks in the memory. Loud, defiant, croaking, overexcited, as if she had to reach each of the 300,000 people in front of the Reichstag building without a microphone.
“You peoples of the world, you peoples in America, in England, in France, in Italy!”, Berlin’s elected mayor Ernst Reuter (who was not recognized by the Russians) shouted to the masses on September 9, 1948. “Look at this city and realize that you must not and cannot abandon this city and this people!”
For the people of divided, war-torn Berlin, Reuter’s words meant hope. Hoping not to be forgotten, hoping for a full stomach. Because after the blockade of the western part of Berlin by Soviet troops, Berlin was only supplied from the air. Reuters goal: the continuation of the airlift.
The words with which the desperate politician, full of pathos, asked the world for help – also an appeal never to let up in the fight for freedom.
The BZ asked young people: Do you know who said these famous sentences?
Enis Turan (33): “I’ve never heard of that quote. And with Ernst Reuter I only associate the square. In general, however, I think it is important to remember the past.” Photo: Olaf Wagner
Emily A. (26): “Unfortunately, the quote tells us nothing. But I think we know Ernst Reuter from school.” Nik S. (30): “I only recently spoke about the airlift at an event in the Pan Am Lounge!” Photo: Olaf Wagner
Lucia Tr. (36): “I’ve never heard of the quote. And to be honest, the only place I can think of about Ernst Reuter is because my ex-boyfriend lives there…” Photo: Olaf Wagner
Nils Allkamper (24): “I’ve heard the quote before on duty! A colleague from the police mentioned it when we drove past the Platz der Luftbrücke.” Photo: Olaf Wagner