Kingnewswire // press release / Amsterdam, Netherlands-August 23, 2025 -The spirit of compassion and service was in the spotlight on Saturday afternoon during the annual ceremony of Humanitarian Awards which was held in Amsterdam. The event, which was held at the Chapel of the Church of Scientology of Amsterdambrought together leaders, activists and members of the community in order to pay tribute to people whose work embodies dedication to humanity and positive social change.
Organized by theAnbi (organization of public interest) Recognized, the Church of Scientology of Amsterdam, the ceremony of this year paid tribute to three exceptional people: Shantha dalumagage,, Morgana Sythove And Ineke Hilhorst.
The prices were given by Gerbrig Deinum,, Director of public affairs of the Church of Scientology of Amsterdamduring a ceremony inspired by the humanitarian vision of L. Ron Hubbardfounder of Scientology, who taught that “”My own philosophy is that everyone must share their wisdom, help others to help themselves and persevere despite the difficulties, because calm always ends up coming back. »»
To add to the importance of the event, Eric RouxWorld President of theInitiative of United Religions (URI)went from Brussels to attend the ceremony and talk about URI global efforts to promote interconfessional cooperation and peacebuilding. The presence of URI members underlined the international impact of the laureate labor.
Tribute to efforts to improve people’s lives
Each winner of the humanitarian prize has been awarded for their unique and deep contributions, ranging from international campaigns to human rights to interreligious dialogue and local social initiatives that promote compassion and understanding.
Shantha Dalumagage: defender of human rights and equality in Sri Lanka
The first prize in the afternoon was awarded to Shantha dalumagagelawyer and founder of LANKA Foundation missionwho devotes himself to the promotion of Human rights in Sri Lanka.
Working in close collaboration with United for Human Rights InternationalShantha led initiatives aimed at raising public awareness of Universal Declaration of Human Rightsto improve education in rural areas and to support theWomen’s empowerment.
Beyond the education and the defense of rights, its foundation providesdrinking waterof the health facilities and a Free legal aid To those who cannot afford to offer them. Shantha also expressed himself openly on environmental issues, actively leading to campaign against theecocidalthat is to say the serious destruction of ecosystems and the environment.
His holistic approach to human rights approaches not only individual freedoms, but also the general well-being of communities, which makes him a worthy and inspiring winner of 2025 humanitarian price.
“Shantha’s tireless efforts have improved the lives of countless people in Sri Lanka,” said Gerbrig Deinum. “His work is a brilliant example of what humanity means. »»
Morgana Sythove: Throwing bridges between religions
The second prize was awarded to Morgana Sythoverewarded for its global role as spiritual leader And world administrator of theUnited Religions Initiative (URI)an international organization which is devoted to the promotion of peace and understanding between the different religious and spiritual traditions.
Morgana is a figurehead of popular religious movement and a Wiccan priestess with an international vocation. His work mainly consists in bringing people together beyond religious borders, Strengthen eco-spiritual communitiesto support Humanitarian initiatives and to defend them women’s rights and the ecological justice.
She represented these causes on the international scene, speaking several times to Parliament of world religionsespecially during historical rallies to Barcelona And Toronto. Thanks to these interventions and his journeys around the world, Morgana has become an influential opinion leader in the interconfessional community.
During her speech, Morgana shared his reflections on the paganismexplaining that the Dutch word Heidengenerally translated by “pagan”, originally meant “Lande”indicating a link with nature and spirituality rather than a rejection of belief.
“It is a question of understanding the rhythm of the moon and the cycles of nature,” she explained. “Far from being non -spiritual, it is a deep expression of respect for life.”
Its price was given to him in the presence of many members of URI, of which Eric Rouxhighlighting the global network of cooperation and harmony it represents.
Ineke Hilhorst: creativity, compassion and community
The third prize was awarded to Ineke Hilhorsta versatile pioneer whose work covers the documentary cinemathere television productionTHE coaching and the community strategy. The initiatives of Ineke make the bridge between the past and the present, using creativity and narration to promote understanding and links.
Among its notable contributions, we can cite the creation of monuments intended to promote tolerance, such as “VREEMDE VOGELS” (strange birds) in Amsterdam and “from Drie Mannetjes” (the three little men) in Laren. These works are not static commemorative monuments; They are accompanied by annual programs for discussions, conferences and educational activities thanks to initiatives such as the “table for tolerance”, which makes them “living monuments” which continuously imply the community.
His humanitarian spirit extends far beyond his local projects. Ineke has actively engaged in refugee support actionseven helping an Afghan female activist to escape the Taliban and find refuge in Germany.
His mixture of creativity, dedication and compassion reinforced communities and inspired countless other people to act, which makes her a completely deserving winner of the 2025 humanitarian price.
A celebration of service and humanity
The ceremony reflected values at the heart of the Humanitarian day : service, compassion and unit. The presence of international guests and local community leaders has highlighted the interdependence of the current world and the shared responsibility for meeting humanitarian challenges.
During the awards ceremony, Gerbrig Deinum highlighted the role of individual action in creating a positive change:
“These awards reward people whose actions embody the best of humanity,” she said. “By recognizing their achievements, we inspire other people to move forward and create a more united and more peaceful world. »»
Ivan Arjona,, European representative of theChurch of Scientologyalso attended the event and praised the winners’ commitment to the service of others:
“These people remind us that real change comes from those who act with compassion and courage. Their work is part of our joint mission to build a world where dignity and human rights are respected everywhere, ”said Mr. Arjona.
The evening ended with warm applause for the winners, testifying to the power of visionaries who devote their lives to the service of others.
Inspired by L. Ron Hubbard and the World Scientology Mission
The event was inspired by the humanitarian vision of L. Ron Hubbardwhich underlined that the real value lies in the aid given to the others. This principle is also at the heart of the world work led by M. David MiscavigeTHE ecclesiastical chief of the religion of Scientologywhose leadership has made it possible to extend the humanitarian initiatives of the Church to an unprecedented level worldwide.
L’Church of Scientology of Amsterdamas an official organistor of the event, continues to promote programs that promote education, human rights and the empowerment of communities. THE Humanitarian Awards are the living expression of this mission, celebrating people whose actions make the world better.
“The achievements of Shantha, Morgana and Ineke are proof that each of us has the power to make positive changes”, added Ivan Arjona. “They are a source of inspiration for all of us. »»
Publicado anteriormente en Almouwatin.
