Last Pics from Berlin

Pictures that say so much!

Top Photo: In this new building there are displays we didn't get to read in detail which show the rise and fall of the Nazi regime. It is a new venture built in an area of town from which the Nazis exercised their power.... I think they call it something like the "Territory of terror". It is interesting how they went about seizing power. Elected in they began to slowly limit the freedoms of the people in the name of national health and well being. Trade Unions had freedoms clipped. Creative thinking people had freedoms limited. Newspapers were censored. There were those who bucked the system, but they were "dealt to" and discouraged.

Middle Photo: In the foreground there is being prepared a display about the infamous Gestapo, so that their feats will never be forgotten and never repeated. Then we have a remaining length of the Berlin Wall. ... A consequence really of the aftermath of the second world war peace process. Behind that there is a Government building built during the Nazi regime and this was the headquarters for Goering in that time, now, of course used for peaceful, constructive purposes.

Bottom Photo: Is of a church which was bombed during the war. Within the damaged remains they have a "Hall of Remembrance" and the story of the church. They have beside it an amazing new church building built to replace it. During the Nazi rise to power and reign the Pastor of this Church, Gerhard Jocobi, was part of a movement of protestant ministers who questioned and opposed the regime. He was arrested several times and faced opposition. The new church is dedicated to peace and reconciliation. I have been doing a little bit of reading about the Church in Germany at the time. During the debate in the Churches in Germany there was a story going around that went something like this;

At the beginning of a church service the announcement was made; "Would all non-arayan people please leave the building." (There was a big section of the church who fell into line with Nazis thinking) Nobody moved. So the request was repeated. Once again nobody moved. For the third time the announcement was made and there was movement at the very front of the church. The words "Oh OK then!" were heard, and Jesus climbed down off the crucifix at the front of the church and left the building.

Of course a fictitious story that made (and still makes) a good point.