Exclusive: Meet the Mastermind Bunnies Behind the Görlitzer Park Plot
The bunnies are a mysterious entity, but they did give HEIST some privileged details on how they pulled it off.
Earlier this week, HEIST wrote about a group of masked bunnies who, over the Easter weekend, handed out copies of a key that unlocked many of Görlitzer Park's gates. The rogue rabbits later scattered more keys around the park for members of the press to find and verify their authenticity.
The scheme was part of an ongoing protest against the long-debated, recently installed fencing around Kreuzberg's popular green space, which is historically a crime hotspot. The park is now closed to the public after 10pm and patrolled by security officers and dogs — something that neighbours and fence critics say is a waste of taxpayer funding, a restriction of local freedom, and a poor solution.
HEIST managed to get in touch with the Gewerkschaft der Osterhasen (GdO), or "Union of Easter Bunnies", to ask a few questions about who they are and how they pulled it off. Their "spokesbunny", Nobby, took a break from "egg painting, hopping sports and chocolate production" to give our readers answers.
First of all, who's behind the Union of Easter Bunnies, or GdO?
The GdO was formed many years ago by dedicated Easter bunnies as a response to constantly decreasing working conditions through borders, fences and authoritarian regimes. The total number of GdO members is unknown, since any Easter bunny worldwide fighting for fairness and equality may count themselves being a part of it.
Easter bunnies are organised as working collectives, and refuse hierarchical work structures and exploitation through "management" levels. Therefore, our demands are not directed to any superiors, but to the so-called state-structures in case of serious threats to our working routines, as was the case with the nightly closure of Görli.
Rabbits, as animals, are very active at night. Is that why you want the park accessible to everybunny after 10pm?
Yes, night activity is typical for bunnies, but this also applies to the humans of Kreuzberg. And since we aim to distribute gifts of equal value for every human at Easter, we are very busy during day and night these times. The closure at 10 pm cuts off our common routes, which is a serious problem for us. The paths through Görlitzer Park have always been important routes for us to reach the surrounding districts, and the park sometimes even served as an excellent hiding place.
There is a great interest in stopping authoritarian behavior as it is practiced by the government of Berlin with the egocentric idea of the Görli fence.
Where did you get the master key? Did you have trouble copying it with your furry paws?
The origin of the keys will stay a top easter bunny secret forever. Using our furry paws to handle the keys required some practice sessions, but in the end it worked out.
Were you surprised by the big reaction from the press and the public?
We interpret the reactions as a sign that there are many amazing souls out there who celebrate solidarity-based activities, and that there is a great interest in stopping authoritarian behavior as it is practiced by the government of Berlin with the egocentric idea of the Görli fence.
It sounds like the police are hot on your tail — or at least, they say they are. Are you worried about that? They have dogs that sweep the park at night, which I assume would frighten bunnies.
Police? Dogs?? Pfhhhh – Easter bunnys are smart and can run really fast
Easter bunnies are organised as working collectives, and refuse hierarchical work structures and exploitation
Critics of the Senate’s fence have said that this isn’t the right solution to the park’s safety issues. What does the the Easter Bunny Union think would be the better thing to do?
In order to address people's safety issues, every person should be guaranteed a housing opportunity, work permission, healthcare service physically and mentally, and inclusion to the society. As a consequence, the park's safety will not be an issue anymore.
How can Berliners keep their ears to the ground about this issue?
There are many initiatives such as Görli 24/7, Görli Zaunfrei, Wrangelkiez United or the Görli Flinta*s who keep on track with the fence issue. Our advice to all rebellious people out there: Grab your buddies, be creative, collect ideas, get active, do it yourself.
Finally, what is the Easter Bunny Union’s favorite part of Görli?
The so-called Kuhle, the circular crater in the middle of the park.
This interview has been condensed for length and clarity.
