September 14, 2001, Newsletter Issue #55: Germany Mourns Victims of Terror

Tip of the Week

As to the initial reactions from Germany, right after the first plane crashed into the World Trade Center, the government added security forces to all embassies in Berlin that might become targets (most of them are located in one district). The government condemned the attacks and assured the US of their solidarity. Many Berliners had already gathered at the gates of the US embassy to show their support. Lots had heard it at work and were let out. Many brought flowers, candles and letters, which policemen placed at the entrance of the embassy. There were hourly special reports and news updates on various German tv stations. In the afternoon of Sept. 11th, speeches by members of the various parties and the German government were broadcasted. People were made aware that terrorist acts could be expected both in the city, and in other German cities (they did have a small bomb scare in front of a major Berlin hotel later in the evening, plus a bomb threat at the Frankfurt Bank Center). The election campaigns for Berlin were postponed, the Senate stopped in mid-session. The German Chancellor sent a letter to President Bush. All festivities in Berlin (theaters, musical performances etc.) were cancelled. The airports established grief rooms and hotlines for people with friends and family in the US. Many had relatives traveling in the US, thus had come there to obtain information. Additional tv sets were put up. Also, all major German department stores had their tv sets turned to the newschannel, so people could watch. In the evening, there were church services, a light chain (candles), and a peaceful gathering of several hundreds of Berliners in one of the main squares. - Of course, people were shocked and devastated, some even cried in front of the camera. There were interviews with Americans living in the city. In the following days, hundreds of Berliners signed two condolence books, which were put out in front of the US embassy and the Red Town Hall. There were five minutes of silence all over town on Sept. 13th. The mourning continues. Click here to get more information about the German newsreels:

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