Aachen Peace Prize for the heroes of Jamel rocks the forester!

Aachen Peace Prize for the heroes of Jamel rocks the forester!

Today, September 1, 2025, the music festival “Jamel rocks the Förster” was awarded the Aachen Peace Prize. The honor for this initiative, which has been organized by Horst and Birgit Lohmeyer for 18 years, goes to a remarkable effort against right-wing extremism in the small community of Jamel in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Here, where fewer than 40 people live and the village has been a stronghold of the neo-Nazi scene since the 1990s, the Lohmeyers are sending a signal of hope and resistance.

Since 1988, the Aachen Peace Prize has honored individuals and groups who work for peace and understanding. This year the price was increased by 2,000 euros to do justice to both initiatives - the Lohmeyers and the “Amirkabir” initiative, which supports Iranian students in protests against the Islamic rulers. This award not only represents financial support, but also public attention for projects that are often overlooked. Deutschlandfunk reports that the award ceremony took place on Antiwar Day, September 1st, in Aachen.

A festival with attitude

The “Jamel rocks the forester” festival has developed over the years into a symbol of resistance against right-wing extremist trends. With a mix of music, art and social activities, the event attracts numerous visitors who want to send a clear message against racism. The Lohmeyers show that even in a village as small as Jamel, where the social challenges are great, changes are possible. Their commitments represent a voice that stands up to hatred and intolerance.

These efforts are all the more important because many urban districts and rural regions in Germany are struggling with the influx of right-wing extremist ideologies. The commitment in Jamel stands out not only through the music, but also through a close-knit community that actively defends itself against the negative perception of its homeland.

The Aachen Peace Prize: What’s behind it?

The Peace Prize is considered a prestigious award for significant social contributions to promoting peace. It has been awarded since 1988 and aims to “honor unknown projects or people and bring them public attention”. This also provides a platform for initiatives like “Amirkabir”, which document important injustice and have their finger on the pulse of the social debate. Spiegel emphasizes that the award-winning individuals and groups understand how to live and promote change.

In times when polarization and extremism are increasing again, the award for the Lohmeyers and their initiative is an important step in upholding the values ​​of peace and tolerance. This form of recognition could be a symbol of a cross-generational fight against intolerance and for solidarity.

We are pleased about this remarkable success for the organizers and hope that their commitment will continue to inspire many people and let the colors of togetherness in our society continue to shine.