As part of the Order of Merit ceremony on the Day of German Unity, STELP founder Serkan Eren was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany on Monday morning in Bellevue Palace.
“I am only representative of those who work day in and day out for STELP and, in turn, for those in need,” he said. “Nevertheless, I am of course incredibly proud of this very special award. It shows that our work is seen. But actually, I would wish that my dangerous missions and our support, no matter where in this world, whether in the Ukraine or in Yemen, in Greece or in Turkey, would not even have to be necessary,” he continued.
In addition to Eren, 22 other people were personally awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. “Whether in supporting disadvantaged young people, integrating refugees, or as the founder of an aid organization or president of the German Red Cross, you, ladies and gentlemen, uphold our common values through your sociopolitical commitment, your humanitarian work. You all fill our democracy with life, and I am very grateful to you for that,” said Frank-Walter Steinmeier during his speech, in which he also addressed the terrorist attack by Hamas.
Serkan Eren’s wife Giulia Eren and his sister were present at the ceremony, as well as the extended STELP board and ex-national goalkeeper Timo Hildebrand. He said, “I have been active in STELP for seven years and am incredibly proud to be a part of this great association. If anyone deserves this award, it’s my friend Serkan Eren, who has dedicated his life completely to helping others.”
You can find Mr. Steinmeier’s full speech here.
