Honorable award ceremony against hate: Courageous Berliners honored!

Honorable award ceremony against hate: Courageous Berliners honored!

Yesterday, an event organized by the Alliance for Courage and Understanding was held in the heart of Berlin, which expressed with a lot of commitment and emotion the appreciation for all those who stand up against exclusion and discrimination. In the grandiose ballroom of the Red Town Hall, people came together to honor the outstanding achievements of individuals and groups who are committed to tolerance and human rights in Berlin and Brandenburg. How Daily Mirror reported, Berlin's Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) opened the celebrations and warmly welcomed the guests.

A total of 76 suggestions were submitted from the public, from which the award winners were selected. Hudhaifa Al-Mashhadani was awarded one of the two main prizes for his tireless work as head of the German-Arabic School Ibn Khaldun in Berlin-Neukölln, where he particularly advocates for human rights and against discrimination. Another main prize went to the CSD Initiative Oberhavel, which campaigns for the visibility of queer life in rural areas.

Prize winners and their initiatives

Particularly noteworthy is Ines Stürmer, who was honored for her tireless work in the Straßburger Straße volunteer initiative in Pankow. Her commitment to integrating refugees and working with girls in her community are a ray of hope for many. The AHA-Berlin association received the ribbon for courage and understanding for its years of voluntary work, which is particularly aimed at promoting the visibility and solidarity of queer people. The Bernau Network for Cosmopolitanism was also recognized for its commitment to respectful coexistence and diverse democratic life in its region.

The Alliance for Courage and Understanding, which was founded in 1991 after the violent attacks on migrants in Hoyerswerda, can look forward to strong supporters. These include, among others, the Prime Minister of Brandenburg, Dietmar Woidke, as well as churches, trade unions and the Jewish community from Berlin and Brandenburg.

The Importance of Activism

The award ceremony is not only a recognition of outstanding commitment, but also a call to everyone to actively work against hatred and discrimination. The event reminded everyone present how important cohesion is in a diverse society and that every individual can make a contribution.

Outside of the celebrations in Berlin, another sad occasion was also recorded in Texline, Texas. Kathy Rice passed away at her home on March 4, 2025 at the age of 75. Her funeral arrangements are being arranged by Hass Funeral Directors in Clayton. Kathy leaves behind a daughter, a son, two grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren who will cherish her memory. Hass Funeral Home describes how Kathy was well respected in her community and worked for many years at the Western Hills Motel and for PSF Hog Farms.

These two stories, which range from celebratory commitment against discrimination to memories of a loved one, show how vibrant and important community and cohesion can be, no matter where you are.