The prestigious Karl Kübel Prize for 2025 has been awarded to the remarkable Tekkal Familie, a powerful recognition of their unwavering commitment to democracy, equality, and human rights. This accolade, presented by the Karl Kübel Stiftung für Kind und Familie, celebrates not just individuals, but the profound impact of a family unit dedicated to fostering societal cohesion and universal values. At the heart of this honor lies Düzen Tekkal, a renowned human rights activist, and her sisters Tezcan, Tuna, Tuğba, and Tülin, whose collective efforts through initiatives like HÁWAR.help and GermanDream resonate deeply within Germany and beyond.
The 25th Karl Kübel Prize ceremony was filled with poignant moments, underscoring the foundation's core belief in the family as a vibrant crucible for opportunities and the transmission of vital principles. The selection of the Tekkal Familie stands as a testament to their exceptional and socially relevant engagement, championing equal opportunities, democratic education, and women's rights.
A Legacy Forged in Resilience: The Tekkal Family's Journey
The bedrock of the Tekkal Familie's extraordinary commitment to humanity was laid by their parents, Fatma and Seyhmus Tekkal. Their personal history, deeply marked by the persecution of the Yazidi faith community and their subsequent flight to Germany in the 1970s, profoundly shaped their worldview and the values they instilled in their children. This formative experience taught them the critical importance of seizing opportunities, advocating for justice, and extending compassion.
For Düzen Tekkal and her siblings, it was simply understood that their home was an open sanctuary. Regardless of origin or religion, everyone was welcome and received support if needed. This isn't merely a quaint family anecdote; it's a foundational principle that demonstrates how personal history can translate into a universal ethic of empathy and solidarity. The parents’ journey of resilience and their commitment to an inclusive way of life created an environment where values like human dignity, tolerance, and responsibility were not just taught, but lived every single day. This ethos became the driving force behind the Tekkal Familie's later activism, proving that the deepest lessons are often learned at home.
HÁWAR.help & GermanDream: Empowering Change Globally and Locally
The dedication of the Tekkal Familie manifests through concrete initiatives that create tangible change. At the forefront is HÁWAR.help, an organization co-founded by Düzen Tekkal. Alongside her sisters, she has tirelessly campaigned for equal opportunities, the promotion of democratic values, and the empowerment of women and girls. Their work extends across borders, providing vital support to young women in Germany, Iran, and Iraq, helping them to unlock their potential and pursue their life aspirations. This includes educational programs, advocacy for their rights, and creating safe spaces where voices can be heard and dreams nurtured.
Beyond international advocacy, the Tekkal Familie also spearheads the GermanDream initiative. This educational project fosters nationwide value dialogues, striving for a society where every individual feels included and valued. GermanDream actively engages communities, schools, and institutions in conversations about shared values, mutual respect, and the responsibilities of citizenship in a diverse democracy. It exemplifies a proactive approach to integration and social cohesion, moving beyond mere tolerance to genuine understanding and appreciation of different perspectives.
Practical Insight: The success of HÁWAR.help and GermanDream highlights the power of a two-pronged approach: direct support for those in need combined with broader societal dialogue. This model is crucial for long-term systemic change, addressing both immediate challenges and underlying prejudices.
The Family Unit: A Microcosm of Democracy and Humanity
Matthias Wilkes, Chairman of the Karl Kübel Stiftung's Board of Trustees, eloquently articulated the profound influence of the Tekkal household: "The Tekkal Familie powerfully demonstrates how formative and important family is. Here, the foundations for interaction are laid, and attitudes and values such as humanity, tolerance, and responsibility are conveyed." This statement captures the essence of the award. The family unit, particularly one guided by strong ethical principles, acts as a primary school for social behavior and democratic engagement.
The Tekkals’ practice of welcoming everyone into their home, irrespective of background, perfectly illustrates how core democratic values like equality and inclusivity can be lived out daily. It teaches empathy, the ability to see beyond superficial differences, and the fundamental belief in shared humanity. These are not abstract concepts but habits cultivated through consistent example and open communication. When children witness their parents and siblings embodying such values, they internalize them as essential components of their moral compass. This internal compass then guides their interactions in the wider world, contributing to a more tolerant and democratic society.
Actionable Advice for Families:
- Lead by Example: Children learn more from what you do than what you say. Demonstrate kindness, tolerance, and respect in your daily interactions.
- Foster Open Dialogue: Encourage children to ask questions, express their opinions, and engage in respectful discussions about different viewpoints.
- Embrace Diversity: Actively seek opportunities to expose your family to different cultures, ideas, and experiences, fostering an appreciation for diversity.
- Instill Responsibility: Assign age-appropriate responsibilities at home and encourage participation in community service, connecting individual actions to collective well-being.
- Practice Empathy: Discuss current events or personal challenges, encouraging children to consider situations from another person's perspective.
A Beacon of Hope for Societal Cohesion
The Karl Kübel Prize awarded to the Tekkal Familie is more than just an honor; it is, as Wilkes noted, "a clear signal for societal cohesion." This message is particularly vital given the current socio-political landscape, marked by increasing polarization and challenges to democratic norms. Their work serves as a powerful reminder that strong, value-driven families are indispensable for the health and stability of a nation.
Hessian Social Minister Heike Hofmann further reinforced this sentiment, praising the family as "role models for us all. Role models for Germany." The Tekkal Familie embodies the ideal of active citizenship, demonstrating that democracy and freedom are not inherent rights but require continuous effort, vigilance, and commitment from every generation. Their journey from a refugee background to becoming champions of human rights and societal cohesion offers a compelling narrative of hope and the transformative power of values.
Wilkes’ description of them as "heroes of humanity" encapsulates the essence of their contribution. In a world often grappling with division and indifference, the Tekkal Familie stands as a testament to the enduring power of compassion, the courage to speak truth to power, and the belief that a better, more equitable world is possible when founded on shared human values.
Conclusion
The awarding of the Karl Kübel Prize to the Tekkal Familie is a richly deserved recognition of their profound impact. Through their personal journey, their dynamic initiatives like HÁWAR.help and GermanDream, and their unwavering commitment to justice, they have illuminated the vital role of family in shaping societal values. They exemplify how the lessons learned at home—of tolerance, empathy, and equal opportunity—can translate into a powerful force for democratic values and human rights on a global scale. As "heroes of humanity" and "role models for Germany," the Tekkals inspire us all to champion inclusion, stand up for the vulnerable, and actively contribute to a more just and cohesive society.