Spectacular escape into the unknown: Lecture about the GDR and its secrets

Spectacular escape into the unknown: Lecture about the GDR and its secrets

On Tuesday, November 4th, at 6 p.m., the Wesel Adult Education Center invites you to a special lecture: “There and back – the spectacular escape into and from the GDR through a water canal.” Speaker Ronald Schreyer will present his gripping escape story, which took place shortly before the fall of the Berlin Wall. In 1988, Schreyer dared to return to the GDR to visit his family under pressure after a trip to the West. The lecture not only offers insights into Schreyer's life story, but also original Stasi files that document the dramatic events of that time. The event is free of charge and registration is not required. For further information, those interested can contact the adult education center on 0281-203 2590 or via the website www.vhs-wesel.de.

The background to Schreyer's escape is deeply moving and reflects the hardships of many GDR citizens who suffered under the restrictive conditions of the GDR regime in the 1980s. While Mikhail Gorbachev was elected General Secretary of the CPSU on March 11, 1985 and initiated reforms under the slogan Perestroika, the SED in the GDR remained immobile and showed no will to reform. The dissatisfaction of many citizens increased, particularly in view of the poor economic situation, which led to around 110,000 people applying to leave the country at the end of 1988. Although the illegal attempt to leave the GDR was punishable and involved enormous risks, many people still looked for opportunities to escape, which gradually emerged in the context of the changing political situation.

The wave of refugees in the summer of 1989

In the summer of 1989, when the political atmosphere in East Germany was experiencing noticeable changes, over 50,000 people fled the GDR. This often happened over Hungary, where the barbed wire fence on the border had been partially torn down. At particularly symbolic events such as the “Pan-European Picnic” on August 19th, many took the opportunity to escape. During this time, more and more people sought refuge in the German embassies in Warsaw, Prague and Budapest.

The protests in the GDR reached their peak in 1989. On October 9th, over 70,000 people peacefully protested for change in Leipzig. Their cry “We are the people!” eventually became a central motto of the movement. The growing discontent led to a peaceful revolution that culminated in the opening of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989. The political upheavals of this time were shaped by courageous voices from civil society and the commitment of many opposition groups. Never before had so many people demonstrated for freedom and democratic rights.

An impressive contemporary witness

Ronald Schreyer's stories will give a personal perspective on this turbulent time and take the audience into the emotional depth of his experiences. He presents not only his story, but also the challenges that many people faced when they had to find the courage to overcome the walls that surrounded them. His experiences are part of a larger narrative about people's ceaseless fight for freedom and their pursuit of a better life under often extreme conditions.

The anticipation of Schreyer's lecture promises an exciting and instructive examination of the past. The upheavals that led to the reunification of Germany are not only part of the history of the GDR, but also a significant chapter in European history. The lecture is therefore of particular interest to anyone who would like to find out more about this moving time.