The fifth anniversary of the Ferhat Unvar educational initiative—an invitation to remember together, which touches us and fills us with gratitude. By Sina Rühland:
14.11.2025 Five birthdays without Ferhat Unvar. Perhaps it was the preceding youth conference entitled „Who owns the future“ or the anniversary celebration of the Ferhat Unvar educational initiative – the atmosphere in Hanau on Friday was electrifying. This was mainly due to the magnificent Serpil Unvar, mother of the 24-year-old who was killed on February 19. Her strength, her confidence, and her unconditional willingness to listen to the younger generation and fight for them captivated everyone.
For five years, she and her young team have been doing anti-discrimination and anti-racism education work in schools, clubs, and public places. They inform, integrate, and motivate.
The motivation that something must change in Germany is Ferhat's legacy, said Serpil Unvar in her speech. „We are working in his name. We are carrying on his values.“
The racist attack in Hanau, in which nine people were killed, must serve as a warning to everyone. While nothing good can come of it, perhaps we can still see the solidarity between Ferhat's friends, his family, many volunteers, and supportive politicians.
In a film that Ferhat's friends and siblings made for him, they address him once again. They talk about their experiences over the last few years without him. How their lives have changed since he was no longer there. They pay tribute to his existence. They promise: „Your death was not in vain! We are only dead when we are forgotten.“