Bambi Awards (Berlin, November 21st, 2002)

Dear Dr. Burda, dear Dr. Turnhofer, ladies and gentlemen, I have many good reasons for my visit to Germany. Coming back to Berlin, so full of energy, it’s very special to me. Berlin, Ich liebe Dich [Berlin I love you].

September 11th has changed our world. Not long ago the Berlin wall came down, but recently new walls were built. In 1989 people in Germany said: “Wir sind ein Volk.” [We are one people].*

We are Germans, we are Armenians, French, Italians, Russians, Americans, Asians, Africans and many other nationalities.

We’re Christians, Jewish, Muslims, Hindus.

We’re black, we’re white.

We are a community of so many differences. So complex, and yet so simple.

We do not need to have war.

And to the children of Germany I want to say this: We need you. The world needs you. Please go for it. Go after your dreams. Go after your ideals. You can become everything you wanna become. Become an astronaut, become a scientist, a great doctor, and of course, become an artist. Maybe you get a Bambi award like me then.

I want you to know, I love Germany! You are very special in my heart, so much really. Always appreciate the gift of life. Be happy and have fun.

I love you.
Thank you very much.