To mark the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall on 9 November, toom Baumarkt DIY store has released a new film: It tells the story of Achim Neumann, who – together with friends – dug a tunnel under the Berlin Wall between 1962 and 1964 using nothing but a spade, thereby enabling 89 people to escape from East to West Germany. Among them was his great love and future wife, Christa. With this true story, toom gives special meaning to the slogan ‘Respect for those who do it themselves’ and pays tribute to the courage to take matters into one’s own hands.
Sometimes, great things begin with nothing more than a simple spade and the courage to pick it up. As a toom Baumarkt DIY store, we help people bring their own DIY projects to life. Achim Neumann’s story shows just how far this idea can extend beyond the realm of craftsmanship.
„For us, ‘respect for those who do it themselves’ means more than simply creating things with our own hands. It’s also about taking responsibility and taking action when it really matters. Achim Neumann’s story is a powerful illustration of what people can achieve with courage and determination. We’re more than happy to pay tribute to that!“Jochen Vogel, CEO of toom Baumarkt DIY store.Photo © Michael ROEHRIG
Among the 89 people whom Neumann helped to escape was Christa, the love of his life. Her story lends this courageous act a very personal dimension and highlights what was at stake for the people behind this historic event.
Achim Neumann’s story serves as a reminder that freedom and democracy cannot be taken for granted, and that the actions of every single individual can make a difference.
The film has been available to watch here on YouTube since 9 November, the day the Berlin Wall fell: Berlin, 1964: The Tunnel | The Story of a DIY Enthusiast | 90" toom Baumarkt DIY store, and is also available on toom.de/tunnel, TikTok, Instagram, streaming platforms and in many other online video formats.
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Was für eine gute Idee!
Wer mehr über Achim Neumann erfahren möchte, kann das Buch "Die Tunnelbauer" von Maja Nielsen lesen. Eigentlich ein Jugendbuch, aber auch für Erwachsene ein tolles Leseerlebnis.