Suche
Mein Konto
Peaceful dialogue: Lower Saxony honors bridge builders between cultures
Dr. Shammout and Michael Fürst were recognized for intercultural dialogue that promotes respect and understanding.
Peaceful dialogue: Lower Saxony honors bridge builders between cultures
On September 16, 2025, Dr. Yazid Shammout, Chairman of the Palestinian Community of Hanover, and Michael Fürst, President of the State Association of Jewish Communities of Lower Saxony, were awarded the Karmarsch commemorative coin. This honor, awarded by the Leibniz Universitätsgesellschaft Hannover, recognizes her tireless commitment to intercultural dialogue and the promotion of peaceful Israeli-Palestinian contact. Despite their different perspectives on political issues, both emphasize the importance of exchange and mutual respect.
Dr. In his speech, Volker Müller, chairman of the university society, emphasized how important it is to promote understanding in times of political tension. Prof. Dr. Volker Epping, President of Leibniz University Hannover, underlined the urgency of respect and listening in the current global political situation. These values are in line with the principles of intercultural dialogue, which promotes open exchange between individuals and groups from different backgrounds.
Commitment to dialogue
Stephan Weil, former Prime Minister of Lower Saxony. D., praised the decades-long commitment of Shammout and Fürst. Their ability to maintain contact during times of crisis has contributed significantly to the de-escalation of tensions in Lower Saxony. This commitment is a necessity in a world characterized by disagreement and conflict. Intercultural dialogue, it is often emphasized, aims to enable a respectful exchange of perspectives and to cross cultural boundaries.
The Karmarsch commemorative coin was first awarded in 1925 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Karl Karmarsch's retirement. It is awarded every two years and is a symbol of recognition for people who make a special effort to promote dialogue and understanding.
The role of intercultural dialogue
Intercultural dialogue is defined as an open and respectful exchange between individuals and groups from different ethnic, cultural, religious and linguistic backgrounds. According to the Council of Europe, this process is crucial for understanding and integration in a diversifying society. Freedom of expression is emphasized as is the need to listen and understand other perspectives.
UNESCO describes intercultural dialogue as necessary for exchange between civilizations and cultures. However, Dietmar Larcher warns that the term is often misunderstood. He emphasizes that ultimately it is people who lead the dialogue, not cultures. This insight is crucial for understanding and accepting a wide range of perspectives.
The importance of such initiatives is becoming increasingly clear today as the world faces challenges that require tolerance and mutual respect. Dialogue, as an equal interaction, can lead to greater understanding and a shared identity. Shammout and Fürst are living examples of this important approach, which is more relevant than ever in the current global reality.