Rosa Luxemburg – “I Was, I Am, I Shall Be”: Empathy in the Face of Oppression: Rosa Luxemburg's Universal Appeal, Beyond Politics and Revolution.

On January 15, 1919, Rosa Luxemburg was murdered in Berlin, marking the tragic end of one of the most extraordinary lives of the 20th century. On the anniversary of her death, we delve into her legacy and ask: why does Rosa Luxemburg, a Marxist theorist and revolutionary from over a century ago, still resonate with us today?

In this episode:

• The Final Hours of Rosa Luxemburg: A harrowing account of the events leading to her assassination amidst the chaos of the Spartacist uprising in Berlin.

• The Revolution’s Myth: Why her final prophetic words—“I was, I am, I shall be”—endure, not as a call to revolution but as a symbol of her humanity and ideals.

• The Controversies of Memory: How Luxemburg’s legacy has been claimed, reshaped, and contested across ideologies, from East German state propaganda to her erasure in Poland.

• Her Jewish and Polish Identity: Luxemburg’s complex relationship with her Jewish roots and her stance on nationalism, which continues to spark debate.

• The Letters of Rosa Luxemburg: A glimpse into the poetic soul of a revolutionary through her correspondence, revealing her love of nature, humanity, and a universal empathy that transcends time.

Highlights:

• Luxemburg’s famous statement on freedom: “Freedom is always the freedom of dissenters.”

• The rediscovery of her literary genius in her letters, which became cultural touchstones and even social media memes.

• How Luxemburg’s universal humanism challenges the divisions of our polarised world.Music credits:

• Sinfonia In D Minor F.65 Adagio - Johann Sebastian Bach

• Music background Serge Pavkin

• Soundeffects: Pixabay

ON Beyondberlin.substack.com

• Photo highlights of key locations from Luxemburg’s life, including the Landwehr Canal and Zamość, her birthplace.

• Quotes from Luxemburg’s letters, including her reflections on global suffering and the interconnectedness of all humanity.

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Beyondberlin.substack.com: Stories —big and small— that start in Berlin and look eastward, where Europe´s heart beats and its future unfolds. By Valentina Giannella, Berlin

This episode takes you on a historical walking tour of Vienna, tracing the life and legacy of Theodor Herzl, the father of modern Zionism. Despite facing anti-Semitism and opposition from within the Jewish community, Herzl's dream of a Jewish state was born and nurtured in the heart of Vienna.

We explore the complex relationship Vienna had with Herzl, from his early days as an aspiring playwright to his emergence as a visionary leader. The tour highlights significant locations in his life, including his residences, the places where he worked, and the sites where his memory is – and isn't – honored.

Key Themes:

Vienna's Paradox: The city that nurtured Herzl's intellectual and cultural development also harbored deep-seated anti-Semitism, which ultimately fueled his Zionist vision.

The Power of Vision: Despite facing rejection and ridicule, Herzl's unwavering belief in a Jewish state inspired a global movement and ultimately led to the creation of Israel.

Memory and Legacy: The episode examines how Vienna grapples with Herzl's legacy, highlighting the often subtle and sometimes controversial ways his memory is preserved in the city.

The Jewish Question: Herzl's struggle to address the "Jewish Question" in a hostile environment is central to understanding his motivations and the development of Zionism.

Locations Featured in the Tour:

Leopoldstadt:

Praterstrasse 25 (Herzl's childhood home with a small theatre)

Theodor-Herzl-Hof (social housing complex named after Herzl)

Inner City:

Kolingasse 13 (Herzl's student residence)

Zelinkagasse 11 (another of Herzl's residences)

Hollandstraße 1 (Herzl's family home)

Marc-Aurel-Straße 7 (Herzl's apartment after marriage)

Herzl-Stiege (staircase renamed in Herzl's honor)

Theodor-Herzl-Platz (small square commemorating Herzl)

Back from Paris:

Pelikangasse 16 (where Herzl wrote "Der Judenstaat")

New Life, New Home:

Berggasse 6 (Herzl's family home)

Währinger Strasse 5 (publishing house of "Der Judenstaat")

Türkenstrasse 9 (office of "Die Welt" newspaper)

Sigmund Freud Museum (Berggasse 19)

Palestine and Back:

Weimarer Strasse 68 (Herzl's residence in Währing)

Haizingergasse 29 (Herzl's final residence)

The Final Days:

Döblinger Cemetery (Herzl's burial place)

Musikverein Wien (location of Herzl's memorial service and the XI Zionist Congress)

Notable Figures Mentioned:

Karl Kraus ● Theodor Herzl ● Empress Sisi ● Gustav Klimt ● Karl Lueger ● Mark Twain ● Sigmund Freud ● Martin Buber ● Kaiser Wilhelm II ● Sultan Abdul Hamid II ● Tsar Nicholas II ● David Lloyd George ● Pope Pius X ● Stefan Zweig ● Franz Kafka

Quotes:

"Die Wiener lieben ihre Träume, aber sie fürchten die Visionäre." (The Viennese love their dreams, but they fear the visionaries) - Karl Kraus

"Ich bin ein Wiener durch und durch" (I am a Viennese through and through) - Theodor Herzl

"Wer ein Jud ist, das bestimme ich” (Who is a Jew, I decide) - Karl Lueger

"In Wien habe ich alles gelernt, was mich geprägt hat – auch die Konflikte.” (In Vienna I learned everything that shaped me - including the conflicts.) - Theodor Herzl

"In Wien bin ich aufgewachsen mit der Ahnung, dass die Judenfrage nicht nur eine soziale, sondern eine nationale Frage ist.” (In Vienna, I grew up with the realization that the Jewish question was not only a social issue but a national one.) - Theodor Herzl

Music:

● J. Strauss II: Geschichten aus dem Wienerwald, Op. 325

● Antonín Dvořák, Slavonic Dances, Op.46

● Franz Schubert Serenade No. 7 from Schwanengesang

● Keep Walking, Serge Pavkin

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On Beyondberlin.substack.com you also find imagery and a google map where all the places mentioned in this episode are pinned.

Show Notes: Viennese Coffee Culture: A Symphony of Dialects and Drinks

Episode Overview

If you want to immerse yourself in Viennese culture, the right place isn’t the university—it’s the café. Join me as we explore the soul of Vienna, where dialects mingle, history lingers, and coffee is celebrated in an endless variety of forms. From the Wiener Melange to the legendary Zarenkaffee, this is more than a story about coffee—it’s a tale of cultures colliding and blending in the heart of Europe.

In This Episode:

• Viennese Dialect and Culture: How the unique cadence of Viennese German reflects the city’s diverse heritage and why dialects, not Hochdeutsch, dominate everyday life.

• The Origins of Viennese Cafés: The fascinating (and somewhat legendary) history that ties these iconic institutions to the Ottoman siege of Vienna.

• A Literary Pilgrimage: Discover the cafés that hosted the likes of Freud, Kafka, and Zweig, and why their spirit still lingers in Vienna’s coffeehouses.

• Your Coffee Cheat Sheet: A delightful guide to navigating Vienna’s coffee menu, featuring everything from the classic Einspänner to the indulgent Kosakenkaffee.

Highlights:

Introduction: Why the café is Vienna’s true cultural and linguistic heart.

The Musicality of Viennese Dialect: A soundscape of the city’s unique linguistic charm.

History Served Hot: From Ottoman battles to the birth of the Wiener Kaffeehaus.

Literary Legends: The writers and thinkers who made the coffeehouse their second home.

Coffee Culture Unveiled: A tour of Vienna’s endless coffee variations—from everyday classics to exotic blends.

Sweet Endings: The imperial Zarenkaffee and other unforgettable specialties.

Coffee Highlights from This Episode:

☕ Wiener Melange – The quintessential Viennese coffee, perfected with milk and foam.

☕ Einspänner – A coachman’s favorite, topped with whipped cream.

☕ Kosakenkaffee – Black coffee meets vodka and honey in a bold blend.

☕ Fiaker – Coffee with rum for a wintery Viennese treat.

☕ Zarenkaffee – A regal concoction of espresso and sweetened egg yolk.

Soundtrack of the Episode:

Immerse yourself in the atmosphere with waltzes, jazzy tunes, and the bustling ambiance of Viennese cafés, including:

🎵 Classical excerpts by Mozart

🎵 Good mood Walzer

🎵 Viennese street sounds

To know, see and hear more stories: 📖 Beyondberlin.substack.com Stories —big and small— that start in Berlin and look eastward, where Europe´s heart beats and its future unfolds. Text, sound, and photography.

Show Notes: From Vienna to the World: The Journey of the 9th Symphony’s Ode to Joy

200 years ago, Beethoven composed a timeless anthem connecting people worldwide—from Vienna to Peking, Berlin to Tbilisi—in brotherhood and unity.

Episode Overview

Search for classical music online, and you’ll find countless flash mobs performing the iconic Ode to Joy from Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. This piece has become a universal anthem for unity and democracy, inspiring spontaneous performances and resistance movements around the globe.

In this episode, we trace its journey:

• Vienna, 1824: The dramatic debut of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, with its groundbreaking choral finale.

• Europe’s Anthem: Why Ode to Joy became the anthem of the European Union.

• Global Resonance: Its role in Tiananmen Square, Berlin, Kyiv, Tbilisi, and even Japanese New Year traditions.

• A Musical Revolution: Exploring Schiller’s Ode to Joy and its Enlightenment ideals, which inspired Beethoven’s masterpiece.

We also reflect on personal and collective moments shaped by this symphony—from Leonard Bernstein’s Ode to Freedom concert after the fall of the Berlin Wall to the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra’s recent reinterpretation.

Highlights

• 🎼 Behind the Music: Why Beethoven chose Friedrich Schiller’s Ode to Joy as the centerpiece for his revolutionary symphony.

• 🌍 A Global Language: The countless ways people have embraced this music to express shared values of peace and freedom.

• 🎤 Singalongs and Resistance: How Ode to Joy has united voices in public squares and protests, from Europe to Asia.

• 🎻 Legacy and Adaptations: From Herbert von Karajan’s arrangements to the Ukrainian translation celebrating “Slava” (Glory).

Dive deeper

On beyondberlin.substack.com, you will find links to major executons, historical notes and my video recording from Glienicke Bridge in 2019, where we sang Ode to Joy on the 30th anniversary of the Wall’s fall.

To get the next episodes and text posts in you inbox, subscribe at beyondberlin.substack.com

🎧 The audio podcasts are also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Music Credits:

● Royalty free libraries for ochestral. choir and guitar versiond of Beethoven´s Ninth Symphony, as well as for the Intro/Outro music segments

● My own recording of 2019 singalong at the Glienicker Brücke, in Berlin/Postsdam

Germany is facing a government crisis, which, for them, is a rare event: on that has the country on edge. In this episode, we delve into the key German terms and phrases that are dominating the political discourse and shaping public opinion. From "Scholzomat" to "GroKo" and "Zeitenwende", we explore the nuances of these words and what they reveal about the current state of German politics.

● Key Moments and key words in the Episode:

The significance of a government crisis in Germany: Unlike countries like Italy or France, where government crises are more frequent, in Germany they are epochal events that mark generational shifts and redefine the political landscape.

The evolution of Olaf Scholz: From the robotic "Scholzomat" to the aggressive "Scholzinator", we analyze the Chancellor's changing persona and its impact on public perception.

"Sofortismus" and the game of roles between those who want immediate elections and those who hide behind real issues, but also excuses, to buy time

"Die Vertrauensfrage" and the historical echoes of the Weimar Republic: We examine the intricacies of the vote of confidence and how Germany's constitutional framework is designed to prevent the instability that led to the collapse of the Weimar Republic.

The "lame Kanzler" and the erosion of authority: The podcast explores how the Constitutional Court's ruling against the government has weakened Scholz's position and led to a sense of political paralysis.

The "K-Frage" and the search for the next Chancellor: With the SPD struggling to maintain its position, the question of who will be the next chancellor candidate is a central theme in the election campaign.

The looming "GroKo" and the "Merkel-Lücke": The possibility of a Grand Coalition and the void left by Angela Merkel are analyzed as potential outcomes of the crisis.

"Grün-Bashing" and the scapegoating of the Greens: The podcast discusses how the Greens have become the target of blame for various societal anxieties and insecurities.

The "Friedenskanzler" and the turning away from "Zeitenwende": We examine Scholz's attempts to portray himself as a peacemaker and the implications this has for Germany's stance on the war in Ukraine.

● Music credits

Royalty Free Music and Sound Effects Libraries, plus the music by Serge Pavkin, fully licensed.

In this episode, we explore the complicated relationship between East Germany (GDR) and its proclaimed commitment to peace. The GDR built an entire national identity around the idea of peace, embodied in the figure of the dove, which appeared in murals, posters, and even songs taught to children. Yet, this commitment came with profound contradictions, as the GDR actively supported militarization, armed foreign states, and repressed domestic pacifism, all while promoting itself as a “State of Peace.”

In today’s world, peace is again a political buzzword, but the freedom and justice necessary for true peace are often missing from the conversation. This episode traces how similar messages of peace in the GDR served as instruments for propaganda and control, setting a chilling precedent in Cold War-era politics and offering a lesson on the enduring power of symbols.

● Key Moments in the Episode:

Peace on 2024 Election Posters in Germany – How political parties across the spectrum, from the SPD to the AfD, are employing "peace" as a slogan, each with its own twist.

A Brief History of the Peace Dove in the GDR – From Picasso’s lithograph to East German propaganda, the dove became a central image in the GDR’s narrative of peace, used both in Berlin’s public art and educational songs like the one by Erika Schirmer.

The GDR as a 'Friedensstaat' (State of Peace) – Examining the GDR’s ideological positioning as a peace state under Marxist principles and its tension with Western capitalist “imperialism.”

Militarization in the Name of Peace – How militarization permeated the GDR society, from youth indoctrination to the National People's Army (NVA), and culminated in mandatory military service and arms exports.

Arms Exports and Foreign Military Presence – The GDR’s paradoxical role as an arms dealer and military advisor, with involvement across Africa, the Middle East, and other regions, all in the name of supporting "peaceful" socialist allies.

Pacifist Movement in West Germany and GDR's Influence – How the GDR and USSR exploited West German pacifism to counter NATO while suppressing East German peace activists who challenged militarization at home.

The Legacy of Peace in Germany Today – Reflection on how the GDR’s legacy of “peace” still influences contemporary Germany’s political landscape and public memory, especially in East Germany.

● Bookshelf

* Wolfgang Klietz, Waffenhändler in Uniform (Arms dealer in uniform), 2024

* Thomas Großbölting, Friedensstaat, Leseland, Sportnation? DDR-Legenden auf dem Prüfstand (Peace state, reading country, sporting nation? GDR legends put to the test), 2013

* Klaus Storkmann, Geheime Solidarität - Militärbeziehungen und Militärhilfen der DDR in die "Dritte Welt (Secret solidarity - military relations and military aid from the GDR to the ‘Third World), 2012

* MDR Online Dossier: Geheime Kriege der DDR (Secret wars of the GDR), free to read, German

* DDR Museum online, Die riedenstaube (The dove of peace), free to read, German

● Music credits

In addition to the Royalty Free Music and Sound Effects Libraries, here you will find some seconds of the "Kleine weiße Friedenstaube" song by Erika Schirmer, which I embed here and partially reproduce in the podcast - performed by the DDR Children's Choir "Walter Ulbricht" of the Dresden Instrumental Group under the direction of Manfred Winter - for historical documentation (not commercial purpose).