Five Years On, Grief and Determination Remain for Hanau Shooting Survivor
Hanau, Germany – Five years after the racist attack in Hanau that claimed the life of her son, Ferhat Unvar, Serpil Unvar’s grief remains unyielding.
"The pain is still there. But I’ve learned to transform it into strength," she says. "I fight for justice, for societal cohesion, and for the younger generation."
Unvar’s memory of her son is kept alive by the Ferhat Unvar Educational Initiative, which she founded to combat racism and discrimination. "I don’t carry my grief silently within me," Unvar says. "Ferhat is gone, but I want to keep his name alive."
On February 19, 2020, a 43-year-old German gunman went on a shooting spree in Hanau, killing nine people of migrant origin. He then murdered his mother and took his own life.
The victims’ families and friends, along with their supporters and the city of Hanau, are commemorating the anniversary of the tragedy with a series of events. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is expected to attend the official memorial service on Wednesday, February 19.
"I no longer have a normal life. I’m practically working every second and every minute to fight against forgetting and against division in society," Unvar says. She expresses feelings of sadness and helplessness when learning that authorities have failed to heed warnings before crimes like the Hanau shooting.
Unvar’s activism extends beyond combating right-wing extremism. "I find misanthropic ideologies in general to be extremely dangerous for humanity and society," she emphasizes.
She implores politicians to refrain from dividing society. "Otherwise, we’ll see more acts, attacks, and radicalization on both sides," says Unvar, a German citizen. "I view my fight as one for the entire society in Germany, not just migrants. I’m Kurdish, but Germany is my home."
According to Unvar, every voice and every individual can contribute to stopping racism, discrimination, and hatred. "We must protect democracy in the upcoming federal election—we need it," she emphasizes.
Unvar’s Unwavering Determination
Unvar has become a tireless advocate for victims of racism and discrimination. She has established herself as a leading voice in the fight against hatred and intolerance, calling for a more inclusive and just society.
Despite the immense pain she has endured, Unvar’s determination to make a difference is unwavering. She continues to work tirelessly, inspiring others with her unwavering belief in the power of hope and the importance of fighting for a better future.
The Ferhat Unvar Educational Initiative
In honor of her son, Unvar founded the Ferhat Unvar Educational Initiative, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting education, dialogue, and understanding among people of diverse backgrounds.
The initiative aims to break down barriers and create a society where everyone feels valued and respected. Through educational programs, youth engagement, and community outreach, the Ferhat Unvar Educational Initiative seeks to build bridges between different cultures and foster a sense of belonging for all.
