Practical informationDate: Friday, November 21, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM CEST (doors open at 9:30)
Location: Mozes and Aäron church, Waterlooplein, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Participation is free, donations are welcome.
Please register in advance via secretariaat@barmhartigheid.nl. More information Compassieprijs
2025 Compassion Award Ceremony: A Caring City Is a Peaceful City
On Friday, November 21, 2025, the national Compassion Award from the Movement of Compassion will be presented in Amsterdam. This fifteenth edition commemorates Amsterdam's 750th anniversary, with the motto: "A Caring City Is a Peaceful City." Prior to the award ceremony, there will be a short conference, organized in collaboration with Sant'Egidio Amsterdam.
Everyone is welcome to attend this special moment and participate in the program.
A Positive Voice: In these turbulent times, we want to raise a positive voice. Compassion is present in many areas of society, and this day will highlight it. The conference theme, "A Caring City is a Peaceful City," aligns with Amsterdam's anniversary celebrations and emphasizes the importance of compassion within the city.
Event: During the award ceremony, fifteen Amsterdam residents and organizations will be honored for their commitment to compassion. They represent all the compassionate initiatives Amsterdam has to offer. Together, they will receive the 2025 Compassion Award as recognition and encouragement to continue their important work. The conference is organized by the Community of Sant'Egidio in Amsterdam and the Movement of Compassion. It will highlight initiatives that connect people and contribute to solidarity and peace, especially in a time of polarization and social tension.
Compassion Award Ceremony 2025 Manuela Kalsky, theologian and endowed professor of the Karen Armstrong Chair at the University for Humanistic Studies, and writer/theater maker Abdelkader Benali will address the question during the conference: where and how does the city show compassion, and where is it currently not showing it, or showing far too little of it? The chair for the day will be Monique van Strien (Chair of the Movement of Compassion). Harpist Beate Loonstra will provide the musical accompaniment. Alderman Rutger Groot Wassink will be present on behalf of the City of Amsterdam.
Winners Compassion Prize 2025
* Ahmed El Mesri – Foundation Assadaaka* Fleur Bakker – Restaurant A Beautiful Mess
* De Indische Buurt School
* Saïd & Lody
* Jeannette Noëlhuis
* Dave Ensberg-Kleijkers – Zonova Opvang & Onderwijs* All Saints Amsterdam
* Deel de Duif
* Francine Darguel – Parochiële Caritas Instelling Amsterdam West
* Esmeralda Jongmans – Floradorp Amsterdam Noord
* Peter Vrieler – Buurtinitiatief Zuidoost (ZON)
* Wereldhuis – Protestantse Diaconie Amsterdam
* Voedselcirkel Amsterdam
* Leer je buren kennen – Liberaal Joodse Gemeente Amsterdam
* Makom – De Regenboog Groep
These fifteen people and organizations are bringing compassion to Amsterdam in various ways – with heart, hands, and hope. This morning, they are the face of the many compassionate initiatives that the city boasts. You are very welcome! Everyone is welcome – residents, volunteers, and organizations working towards a city of compassion. Together, we will make visible what connects us.
