It is hard to find words that do justice to the significance of this award. The Mevlüde Genç Medal is not an ordinary prize for me. It is a great honor - but above all, a commitment. Mevlüde Genç responded to the unimaginable suffering from the attack in Solingen with something that goes far beyond what could be expected: with love, humanity, and reconciliation. Her attitude reminds us that hatred can never be the answer. For me, this award is also personally significant. My story began in Gelsenkirchen and North Rhine-Westphalia. Here I experienced that people of the most diverse backgrounds can live and work side by side quite naturally. I want to pass on these values: to the next generation and to the many young people who are charting their own paths. Education, empathy, and the willingness to understand other perspectives are crucial. Thank you very much to the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and Minister-President Hendrik Wüst for this special honor. I accept it with great gratitude - and with the awareness that it brings responsibility with it. Together is always stronger than division! 🤍 (translated)
