Press release by the Kurdish Community in Germany (KGD)
(Bonn, 17 April 2026) On 24 March 2026, the Newroz reception organised by the Kurdish Community in Germany (KGD) took place at the Baden-Württemberg State Representation to the Federal Government. Around 200 guests from the worlds of politics, the media, society and culture came together to celebrate the start of spring and the new year.
The event was officially opened by Rudi Hoogvliet, State Secretary for Media Policy and Representative of the State of Baden-Württemberg to the Federal Government, and by Muhterem Aras, President of the Baden-Württemberg State Parliament. Ali Ertan Toprak, Federal Chairman of the KGD, then welcomed the guests.
This was followed by speeches from Bodo Ramelow, Vice-President of the Bundestag; Karin Prien, Federal Minister for Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth; Karin Prien, the Deputy SPD Party Chairman Achim Post, Pegah Edalatian, Political Director of BÜNDNIS 90/DIE GRÜNEN, the Chairman of the KGD Advisory Board Dr h.c. Herbert Schmalstieg, and Archbishop Prof Dr theol. Dr phil. Thomas Schirrmacher, who reported on his recent trips to Syria and the Autonomous Region of Kurdistan.
The speakers highlighted Newroz as a festival of hope, addressing the situation of the Kurdish people, their commitment to freedom and self-determination in their homeland, and democratic values in Germany.
A particularly dignified moment of the event was the honouring of the Ambassador of the State of Israel, His Excellency Ron Prosor, for his long-standing and exceptional commitment to the Kurdish people.
The honorary award, presented by Federal Minister Karin Prien and Ali Ertan Toprak, sent a strong signal of solidarity in partnership. The KGD extends its heartfelt thanks to Ron Prosor.
The evening was enriched musically by the artists Nurê Dlovani and Aslî Zelal, who provided a cultural highlight with traditional and contemporary Kurdish compositions. Another central element was the ceremonial act of lighting the Newroz fire, which, as a symbolic highlight, impressively underscored the messages of new beginnings, renewal and cultural continuity.
Following this, the event provided an opportunity for in-depth discussion and personal encounters, further fostering networking and collaboration between representatives from politics, the media, academia, culture and the German-Kurdish community. Guests were also able to view the biographical travelling exhibition “counterparts”, which was realised as part of the “WERTE – what unites us!” project. The exhibition presents six biographies exploring the spectrum between exclusion and participation and was presented to Federal Minister Prien during a personal guided tour. The project is funded by the federal programme “Demokratie leben!” [Living Democracy!].
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- Photo 1: The hall during Thomas Schirrmacher’s speech © ISHR/Martin Warnecke
- Photo 2: Ali Ertan Toprak, Chairman of the Kurdish Community in Germany, in conversation with Thomas Schirrmacher © ISHR/Martin Warnecke
- Photo 3: Israeli Ambassador Ron Prosor receives the award from Family Minister Karin Prien (CDU) and Chairman Ali Ertan Toprak © KGD/Mhajr Invincible
- Photo 4: Bundestag Vice President Bodo Ramelow in conversation with Thomas Schirrmacher © ISHR/Martin Warnecke
- Photo 5: Speech by Thomas Schirrmacher © ISHR/Martin Warnecke
- Photo 6: Bundestag Vice President Bodo Ramelow addresses Thomas Schirrmacher during his speech © ISHR/Martin Warnecke
- Photo 7: Family Minister Karin Prien (CDU) © ISHR/Martin Warnecke
- Photo 8: Family Minister Karin Prien (CDU) and Ambassador Ron Prosor in conversation with Thomas Schirrmacher © ISHR/Martin Warnecke
- Photo 9: Thomas Schirrmacher © KGD/Mhajr Invincible
- Photo 10: Thomas Schirrmacher addresses Bundestag Vice President Bodo Ramelow and Chairman Toprak directly © ISHR/Martin Warnecke
