«Zu Gast im ABACUS» - is a precisely calibrated series of events held since 2023 at the ABACUS Tierpark Hotel (Franz-Mett-Str. 3-9, 10319 Berlin) under the concise and meaningful communication brand - «Guest at ABACUS». They are mainly related to historical aspects, cultural heritage, established traditions and customs, and the current state of affairs in the countries that emerged after the collapse of the USSR.

The events are carried out on the initiative of and on the basis of close cooperation between the public associations Go East Generationen e.V., Deutsch-Russische Festtage e.V., the administration of the ABACUS Tierpark Hotel, with informational support from BERLIN24.RU. 

The space they have created for open, direct dialogue and free exchange of opinions on topical issues, free from distortions and unfounded stereotypes, has over time earned well-deserved approval and genuine respect from many residents and visitors of Berlin, having proven its viability, relevance and obvious usefulness in practice.

It is appropriate to note that the format of the events includes round tables, literary readings, lectures, discussions on a wide variety of issues, presentations of educational and social projects, as well as speeches by specialists and experts in the humanities, meetings with writers, filmmakers, theatre figures, journalists and members of the diplomatic corps in Berlin. Alongside these, song and dance creative ensembles and solo performers take part harmoniously as an integral element of each event.

On this occasion the latest event in the format of «Zu Gast im ABACUS» (May 27) was entirely dedicated to Russian Germans, late resettlers and forcibly displaced persons (Deutsche aus Russland, Spätaussiedler und Vertriebene) living in Berlin.  

The speaker at the event, Walter Gauks (Walter Gauks), the Berlin Senate Commissioner for Russian Germans, late resettlers and displaced persons (Senatsverwaltung für Arbeit, Soziales, Gleichstellung, Integration, Vielfalt und Antidiskriminierung), emphasized the crucial role of constructive interaction among all citizens in building a healthy society.

In his firm conviction, the development of trust, the rejection of unfounded stereotypes and the achievement of consensus not only contribute to harmonious coexistence in society, but also naturally form the basis for mutual sympathy, reciprocal interest in each other's lives, genuine openness and sincerity in communication.

As before, primary importance is attached to the comprehensive and active involvement of Russian Germans, late resettlers and forcibly displaced persons in all spheres of public life. This implies providing them with equal and unobstructed opportunities to access social benefits, creating conditions for achieving a high social status and a decent situation in old age, and guaranteeing equality in employment. 

Alongside a prompt response to their vital problems and difficulties, effective and competent cooperation with state, district and local structures involved in integration activities is essential. Interaction with public organizations, various specialized associations, creative unions and relevant clubs becomes particularly important in this context. 

Objectively, further development and improvement of coordination of the existing projects and programs initiated and implemented by Russian Germans, late resettlers and forcibly displaced persons are in high demand.  

The validity and timeliness of the conceptual arguments in this context, clearly presented by W. Gauks, were vividly demonstrated to those present during the presentation of a new multifunctional project for coordinating and creating a network of counseling centers and meeting places in Berlin for Russian Germans, late resettlers and forcibly displaced persons - «Gemeinsam Stärker» («Together Stronger»).  

Its substantive components were presented by Viktor Leis Junior (Viktor Leis Junior) – Chairman of the Board of the Berlin society Musik, Treffs und Veranstaltungen e.V., which is currently, in direct cooperation with V. Gauks, already engaged in the practical elaboration of this project.

The project concept itself contains both primary and secondary objectives, thoughtfully combined with a sequential methodology for achieving the desired results. In a general, simplified form it is intended to accomplish several "missions" at once. The most significant of them are: 

-   eliminating the existing shortcoming related to the inadequate representation of the mentioned population groups in the life of the capital. As well as ensuring their equal access to specialized structures for meetings and counseling support. This is to be achieved through well-organized coordination and network interaction among organizers of counseling and public platforms;  

-   creating a so-called "Advisory Council" of meeting centers and counseling support in cooperation with the Berlin Senate Commissioner for Russian Germans, late resettlers and displaced persons, filling its activities with content that is genuinely in demand; 

-   establishing financial support to strengthen the relevant initiative on the ground in order to more widely disseminate accessible cultural, mass and community events.

The presentation of the «Gemeinsam Stärker» project clearly and convincingly demonstrated that the evolution of active citizen engagement, including particularly vulnerable population groups, in public life is not a static state but a dynamic process that requires constant attention and support. Moreover, it is one of the key factors of sustainable development for modern Berlin.

That evening, those gathered at the event «Zu Gast im ABACUS», witnessed truly brilliant performances by Russian Germans, which were received by the audience with genuine delight and sincere admiration: the talented singer Elena Goldt (Helena Goldt), and the duo «Duo Faller».

E. Goldt enjoys recognized popularity in Germany and abroad. Her distinctive musical creativity is dynamically combined with energetic activity in a number of public organizations.  

The members of "Duo Faller" are Oksana Faller and Ilya Kurtev. Oksana consistently demonstrates virtuoso playing of the domra, a traditional East Slavic folk plucked string instrument. Ilya performs on the bayan — the Russian chromatic hand accordion with a button keyboard. The duo's repertoire covers a wide range of musical genres, including works of classical and light entertainment music, popular hits, tango and melodies of the peoples of the world.