Kurdish youth across the United States and from all over the world gathered in Washington, DC from January 6-8, 2012 to attend the highly anticipated third annual Kurdish Youth Festival. The three-day event offered fun and educational programs on the Kurdish heritage, and also utilized the advantages of holding the event in the country’s capital by offering attendees a guided tour through Washington, DC to learn about the history of the United States. Nearly two thousand attended the festival while many others were able to participate in the event online through Twitter and the event’s live stream. The festival provided a unique networking opportunity and also served as a platform for young Kurds to exchange their ideas and experiences. The three-day event built upon a shared vision to unite the dispersed Kurdish populations in the U.S. and around the world.

In the evening of the first day, the Kurdish Youth Festival in DC officially commenced with a film screening and film competition. The screening featured the film, Bekas, by Kurdish Oscar Student Academy Award winner Karzan Kader, about two young homeless boys who want to escape the misery of their war-torn Kurdish homeland under Saddam Hussein’s occupation. The film received tremendously positive feedback with many audience members breaking out in both tears and laughter.

Following the feature film screening, the film competition began showcasing short films from young up-and-coming filmmakers including Mr. Bedirhan Sakci, Ms. Serhat Karaaslan, Mr. Mehmet Nuri Chetin, Mr. Keywan Karimi, and Mr. Sarbast Raza Garmiany. The short film that won first prize was A Day in the North by Kurdish director Mr. Juma Hamdo. The film was a heart-wrenching story about the experiences of Kurdish women living in Syria’s Kurdistan region.

Festival hosts, Mr. Minhaj Akreyi and Ms. Sarah Yousif, later presented two young Kurdish students with scholarship awards for their essay submissions on how to distinguish between and reconcile their Kurdish and American identities in daily life. The submissions by Mr. Afsheen Sharifzadeh and Ms. Rezzan Hekmat were chosen among twenty-five others. They were each awarded $1000.00 to foster their educational goals.

The first night of the festival concluded with an interactive and educational trivia game hosted by KurdSat television’s Ms. Lawen Azad. Questions covered everything from Kurdish history to Kurdish music. Selected participants in opposing teams were asked to identify lyrics to Kurdish music or to identify Kurdish notables based on the hints presented to them. The festival organizers also provided a live video stream for online participants and responded to their questions and comments via Twitter and Facebook. Kurds from Australia, Europe, Kurdistan, and all over the United States who wanted to attend this event but could not travel to Washington, DC were able to participate remotely.

The morning of January 7^th opened with a series of panels and round-table discussions designed to engage attendees in constructive discussions and debates about Kurdish social issues. The first panel featured the renowned American linguist and cataloguer of Middle Eastern languages, Dr. Michael L. Chyet, Assistant Director of The Center for Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Arizona, Mr. Christian Sinclair and Kurdistan Regional Government Representative, Mr. Amanj Yarwaessi. The panel focused on whether a unified language for the two major Kurdish dialects is practical.

The next two panels were specifically focused on Kurdish social issues. These panels included a discussion on “Generational Gap” and “Community Concerns” and featured Dr. Kajal Rahmani from Harvard University’s Department of Near Eastern Civilization, Kurdish National Congress of North America president Dr. Kamal Artin, and Kurdish American Youth Organization LA Chapter president, Mr. Ranj Zuhdi. Audience members were fully engaged in these discussions as they split up into different groups and discussed various issues amongst themselves to present to the entire audience.

Discussions focused on everything from taboos imposed on Kurdish women to the various obstacles preventing unity among Kurdish community members. Despite the vast number of issues being addressed, common conclusions on how to resolve these issues were reached by attendees.

The day’s program ended with a final panel entitled, “From the Mountains to Twitter,” which included a series of presentations on activism through social networking. The main idea that inspired the panel is the community outreach that has been made possible through various online social media tools. Many festival attendees said they were at the event after hearing about it through Twitter or Facebook. Furthermore, many participated in the festival remotely through these online mediums. The panel included young Kurdish activists, Ms. Aida Aliyeva, Mr. Emrah Usar, Mr. Sirwan Kajjo, and Mr. Karwan Zebari. The panel concluded with spoken word poet, Ms. Cklara Moradian, who presented her piece, “Art is Resistance.” Ms. Moradian’s words were incredibly moving and the message she conveyed left a lasting impression on both audience members and many of those watching the festival online.

After a break in the evening, the night began with a monodrama performance by Mr. Sarkaut Taro. His creative performance addressed controversial social issues. Following his performance, a lengthy discussion began between Mr. Taro and audience members about the various issues he brought to light through his performance. After the discussion, Ms. Akhtar Waise recited a beautiful poem about Kurdistan, which led to a standing ovation.

Following the performances, the festival’s annual art auction showcased various pieces inspired by Kurdish heritage and culture. Artwork by Kurdish artists, Mr. Lukman Ahmed, Mr. Bekir Orhan, and Mr. Ayad Almissouri, were highly appreciated by attendees as evident by the high bids placed on each item. The night ended with the festival’s annual “Kurds Got Talent” contest where young Kurdish artists from a variety of talents — including music, comedy, and poetry — were able to perform for the audience. Similar to previous years, the competition featured judges that would offer feedback and ratings to each of the participants. Audience members were also allowed to vote for their favorite performance. Kae Kurd’s comedic performance shook the hall with laughter. Kae Kurd, who traveled all the way from London to attend the festival, walked away with a round-trip ticket to Kurdistan!

The third and final day of the festival, January 8^th, was different from previous festivals. This year, festival attendees were offered a chance to learn more about American history and heritage with a tour of Washington, DC. Buses picked up attendees and offered them a view of the nation’s capital before stopping at the White House for pictures. Attendees were later taken to the American History Museum, also described as the most popular section of the Smithsonian, to learn about the history of the country. Buses also took attendees to the National Mall, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial. In addition, attendees were greeted and offered a special tour of the offices of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Representation in the US.

After returning to the hotel, attendees got ready for the grand finale at the Waterford Receptions in Springfield, Virginia for a night of Kurdish music and dancing. Many attendees dressed in their most beautiful traditional Kurdish clothing from the various regions of Kurdistan.

At the start of the grand finale, the festival’s sponsors including Asiacell, the first mobile telecommunications company in Iraq and the festival’s first ever diamond level sponsor, Senk Group (a gold sponsor), Pinnacle Web Services (a silver sponsor), and (bronze sponsors) Kurdish National Congress of North America, Kurdish Youth of America-KYA, Kurdish Youth Club-KYC, Kurdish American Youth Organization-KAYO, American Kurdish Council-AKC, Millennium Brokerage Firm, and Green Kurdistan were thanked for their generous donations and contributions.

The night began with a tribute speech to the late Kurdish singer Dler, by his sister Sarah Yousif.  The night continued with a performance by the renowned Kurdish dengbej performer, Delil Dilanar. Performances by famous Kurdish singers Rekesh Seyrani and Emir Hesen prompted dancing by the party’s attendees. The distinguished musical guests created a vibrant environment in the grand finale that could not have been a more suitable conclusion to such a successful three days.

Visit the official website of the Kurdish Youth Festival for more information on past festivals as well as upcoming festivals.

How to participate in the Essay Contest:

In 600 words or less, answer the question: “What does it mean to be a Kurd living in America, and how do you balance both your Kurdish and American identities?”

Submit your essay on our website!

Eligibility, and Terms and Conditions:

• Essay must be no more than 600 words
• The participant must be a current undergraduate student, or a high school senior applying to a college or university
• Essays will be checked using anti-plagiarism software and returned to us with an originality report
• Deadline for submissions is December 15
• Selections are based on the best written responses to the assigned question
• The names of the two winners will be announced at the festival
• Participants are not required to attend the festival to be chosen

A youth-led coalition from various backgrounds have come together to form this year’s event coordinating committee. This group of young Kurdish men and women are determined to make the third Kurdish youth festival an enriching experience with a profoundly positive impact on the attendees.

I am pleased to announce the launch of our new website that contains all details of this event.

New KYF Website

Watch this video to get a glimpse of what you can expect (and more!) from this event:

Did you know the Kurdish Youth Festival is funded entirely by the generous donations of sponsors and guests? If you are interested in becoming a donor or a sponsor, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!

MANY VOICES; ONE CAUSE
For the Third Consecutive Year, the Kurdish Youth Festival Will Become the Biggest and Best Avenue to Connect Kurdish Youth from Coast to Coast

Hailed as the only gathering of its kind in the United States, the third Kurdish Youth Festival is scheduled to, once again, deliver an unforgettable experience. The upcoming 2012 festival will take place in the Nation’s Capital, Washington, DC, on January 6th-8th and is promising to be the most exciting festival yet.

A youth-led coalition from various backgrounds have come together to form this year’s event coordinating committee. This group of young Kurdish men and women are determined to make the third Kurdish youth festival an enriching experience with a profoundly positive impact on the attendees.

The festival will feature scholarships, meet and greet opportunities, educational panels, discussion groups, and interactive workshops. All this is in addition to the festivals most talked about signature events: “Kurds Got Talent,” visual art competitions, and a celebration finale complete with live music and traditional dance. As in previous years, notable figures, authors, human rights activists, NGO leaders, and International artists are expected to be in attendance. This event will also provide a chance for sponsors and scholars from across the globe to make a lasting network with active Kurdish-American youth.

In an interview during the last Kurdish youth festival, a first time attendee said: “I walked into the hotel lobby in Dallas and heard a group of young guys and girls speaking Kurdish. I had to pinch myself a few times to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. I felt more at “home” during those three days than any other time and have made friendships that will last a lifetime. I encourage everyone to come to next year’s festival.”

Established to showcase, promote, and raise awareness about Kurdish culture, the festival aims to cultivate the talents and abilities of young Kurds in the United States while encouraging community participation. Today, it also serves as an annual reunion for old friends and a perfect platform for new connections.

The third annual Kurdish Youth Festival is in the planning stages, and final programming will be released in the following months.

To become a sponsor of this event or to receive more information, contact the organizing committee: kurdyouthfestival@gmail.com.

In a sudden turn of events, the Israeli media seems to be taking an interest in Kurds. This isn’t because Israel is supportive of the Kurdish quest for peace and freedom. The facts have shown time and again that Israel couldn’t care less about us. We shouldn’t be used to divert attention away from their crimes in Palestine. Their criticism of Turkey is just as hypocritical as Turkey’s criticism of Israel. It is a game, and our innocent people are being repeatedly taken advantage of and abused in it. Gazans are chess pieces for Turkey and Iran, while Kurds are chess pieces for Israel to take a stab at Turkey and Iran. Someone might be victorious in this game, but it will not be the Kurds or the Gazans. The occupations will continue. None of these governments will free us. They are merely involving us in a dirty, shallow political struggle that we must condemn together.

The news about Israeli students sending a flotilla for the Kurds in Turkey is not a surprise, it is shameful and far from heroic. As a Kurd, don’t expect me to thank them. I stand here in absolute disgust watching them turn to me in times of desperation for self marketing and PR. There is no honesty in their eyes, just an overwhelming amount of disrespect.

I ache for a world where honest human rights activism will take the lead and free us from these vile oppressors. All of them. Together. We need you in all your kindness and honesty. Do not come to us and dare to use us to back up your own oppression. You will be turned away, and rightly so!

After intense torture followed by solitary confinement for six months and denial of access to medical attention Mehdi Eslamian was sentenced to death in February 2010 on mohareb (enmity to God) charges, acting against national security, membership in a royalist organization and attempt to overthrow the Iranian regime for alleged involvement in a bombing in Shiraz.

The four Kurdish political prisoners are Farzad Kamangar, Ali Heydarian and Farhad Vakili who were sentenced to death on February 25, 2008 and Shirin Alam Hooli who was sentenced on December 19, 2009.

Farzad Kamangar a Kurdish teacher was sentenced to death for alleged ties to the PKK after being held incommunicado for months. In his trial, which lasted seven minutes, neither Kamangar or his lawyer were allowed to speak. Ali Heyderian and Farhad Vakili of Sanandaj were arrested in July 2006 in Tehran alongside Farzad Kamangar and sentenced with him to death for taking up arms against the state for alleged membership in the PKK.

Shirin Alam Hooli was imprisoned in Evin prison and has undergone severe torture at the hands of her interrogators and was pressured to make a televised confession, which she refused to do. She was sentenced to death on mohareb charges.

Following these executions, 15 Kurdish political prisoners remain on death row in Iran: Zeinab Jalalian, Habibollah Latifi, Shirkou Maarefi, Jamal Mohammadi, Sami Hosseini, Rostam Arkia, Rashid Akhkandi, Hossein Khazri, Mostafa Salimi, Anvar Rostami, Mohammad Amin Agoushi, Iraj Mohammadi, Ahmad Pouladkhani, Hasan Talei and Habibollah Golpalipour.

Cross-posted on the Alliance for Kurdish Rights.

Kurdish Festival will be a gathering to celebrate a heritage that has taken over 8000 years in making. During which many aspects of Kurdish life will be brought to light; from Kurdish film, literature, music, history, dance, and current events. The Festival will also include self-building workshops in leadership, fundraising and conflict management.

For the first time, Kurdish Festival will bring together education and entertainment and set a new standard. The festival will entertain with three evenings of music, dance and party; featuring popular Kurdish singers and musicians. In addition, it will conduct two full days of workshops and trainings.

In a segment titled Kurds Got Talent, Kurdish Festival will host the largest talent show across U.S. In which a variety of talents will compete. The competition is open to all. Many Kurdish singers will be invited to perform live and compete for the title of first Kurdish Singer of 2010 in US. Kurds Got Talent will be a display of many different aspects of Kurdish culture from its beautiful traditional clothes to variety of poetry and modern songs, acting, and comedy. The top three talents will be awarded accordingly. Please help us identify potential talents in your community by contacting us at kurdish.youth.club@gmail.com.

The educational component of the festival will include key figures in modern Kurdish politics, music, history and literature. Attendees will be able to hear from those that have influenced lives of Kurds either directly or indirectly. A different aspect of the festival will expand to include small sized workshops that will help the youth and attendees to better function, organize and plan back in their own local organizations. Self-building workshops will be about fundraising, conflict management and leadership. They will be followed by discussion groups on many aspect of Kurdish life such as history, current events, and literature.

During the three days of nonstop learning and fun, Kurdish Festival will start a tradition of celebration of Kurdish Heritage in the United States. We invite you’re your friends, and family to join us on this important event. We will be honored with your support and presence.

Kurdish festival is being organized by the members and friends of Kurdish Youth Club (KYC). A 501(c)3 non-profit and independent Kurdish youth organization dedicated to promoting Kurdish Culture and advocating for the youth. For more information please visit www.kurdishyouthclub.com