The Wailing Wall For Peace

W alter Hermann became angry when he lost his apartment eight years ago. Very angry. Ever since, the 59-year-old art teacher-turned homeless activist has been a thorn in the government's side, organizing protests and creative demonstrations on behalf of "peace, freedom and the downtrodden."

Hermann's most recent project is the Wailing Wall, a collection of antiwar placards begun during the Gulf War. The Wall, which hangs between two flagpoles and a lamppost in front of the Cologne cathedral, is strung with hundreds of handwritten notices and drawings from visitors from around the world. "Communication leads to understanding," reads one. "We are the future. We are kids of one world," proclaims another.

"The Wall has been torn down 16 times," said Hermann, proudly pointing out a message by the Dalai Lama on a square of cardboard. "We just build it back the next day. What you do out of innermost willpower should be respected."

But the government, which is going to court Tuesday to evict the Wall from city property, isn't Hermann's only problem. Neo-Nazis attacked the Wall two weeks ago. Hermann, who sleeps in a nearby plastic-lined hut with a dedicated core of homeless activists, confronted them with the only weapon he carries - his mouth.

"They said, 'You're not a German'," said Hermann, who has been beaten unconsious by Neo-Nazis more than once. "I think it's because we're building bridges to other cultures."

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