Project sets up ‘stroll’ through Berlin inspired by 1929 guidebook
Online initiative allows participants to view the capital using a German Jewish author’s cult guidebook from 1929 as inspiration.
A unique project allowing participants to “drift virtually through Berlin” has been launched by a Russian Jewish cultural organisation using a German Jewish author’s cult guidebook from 1929 as inspiration.
The ‘Dérive in Berlin’ online platform from educational project Eshkolot “brings the art of strolling into the 21st century” and harks back to the way in which Franz Hassel wrote Walking in Berlin – A Flâneur in the Capital.
A flâneur is a man who strolls around observing society, taking in the sights and sounds. Hassel’s book is widely considered to have captured the essence of Berlin in the 1920s, as well as foreshadowing the political and social unrest that lay ahead.
Eshkolot decided to “bring Hessel’s legacy to a new generation of flâneurs”, with 50 participants from Russia and Europe and said visitors can “build their own virtual construction of the city using pictures, videos, city sounds and experiences”. The experience can be enjoyed in Russian and English.
Hessel’s wanderings were cut short by his exile shortly before Kristallnacht, followed by his internment in a French camp. He died shortly after release.
Eshkolot has used quotes from Hessel’s iconic guidebook, mixed with the first-hand impressions of the project participants, with musical accompaniment from composer Alexey Nadjarov.
Ilia Salita, president and chief executive of Genesis Philanthropy Group, which supports the project, said: “At a time when the world has been forced to slow down and reflect, the project has brought the work of the iconic observer Franz Hessel to a new, contemporary audience. In doing so, it provides a unique way for young adults to explore Jewish culture and identity through the complex history of Berlin, on the eve of war.”
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
