Berlin Christmas market attack: Melbourne cabaret singer Elena Gabrielle’s close call
A MELBOURNE woman’s last-minute decision to cancel a date at the Berlin Christmas market where at least nine people have died may have saved her life.
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A MELBOURNE woman’s last-minute decision to cancel a date at the Berlin Christmas market where at least nine people have died may have saved her life.
Cabaret singer Elena Gabrielle moved to the German capital from Carlton four months ago and said she was supposed to meet a date near the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church at the exact spot where a truck ploughed into stalls around 8pm local time.
Fatigued from a busy weekend, she cancelled it last-minute and was shocked to hear of the attack which occurred around their original meeting time and left at least nine people dead.
“We were meeting for a drink and a walk around the markets,” Ms Gabrielle told Leader.
“I was just shocked, but I’ve been feeling like something like this was going to happen sooner or later,” she said.
“Because they have taken in so many refugees, to me, it feels like the city is divided. My (African-American) friend even got stuck in a situation with a neo-Nazi — he sat opposite her on the train and revealed his SS tattoo to her.”
Despite her close call, Ms Gabrielle said it wouldn’t deter her from visiting the country’s famed Christmas markets.
“Everyone told me when I moved here to be careful, but you just have to keep on going with your life,” she said. “If you live in fear, they win.”
An accomplished singer and performer, Ms Gabrielle has performed at festivals including Belfast Burlesque Festival and Edinburgh Fringe Festival, taking her shows to cities including Barcelona and Prague.
Her date, who works near the Christmas market also escaped unscathed.
“He works opposite the building and saw all the police and ambulances when he left work,” she said.
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