Kurdish Community Events in District of Columbia

Join us for an evening celebrating the rich culture, heritage, and contributions of the Kurdish community. The American-Kurdish Network (AKN) and American Kurdish Advocates (AKA) cordially invite you to the 2nd Annual American-Kurdish Gala on Capitol Hill. This special gathering will bring together community leaders for inspiring speaking engagements, offering meaningful dialogue on the Kurdish experience and the ties that unite our communities. Come enjoy the rich traditions of Kurdish culture through storytelling, traditional musical and dance performances, and Kurdish-inspired hors d'oeuvres. Time: Doors open at 5:30 PM Location: Hart Senate Building (room info and details will be provided via email) This invitation is non-transferable | Traditional or Military/Business Attire | No parking on Senate grounds | Please present photo ID at entrance

Based in Washington, DC, American Friends of Kurdistan represents a unique grassroots movement founded by Americans committed to transforming U.S. policy toward Kurdish communities and the greater Kurdistan region. Established in 2019, AFK emerged from the conviction that American policy toward Kurds had been neglected and overlooked, and that strengthening this relationship serves mutual interests. The organization embodies the Kurdish saying, 'no friends but the mountains,' by positioning itself as a steadfast American ally dedicated to supporting Kurdish aspirations for peaceful democratic self-determination. AFK operates with complete independence and integrity, refusing financial support from any government and maintaining strict nonpartisan principles to ensure its advocacy reflects genuine American interests rather than external agendas. The organization connects with American civic leaders, national security professionals, and Congressional representatives across party lines to build understanding of why Kurdish empowerment matters for American strength in the Middle East. With over 40 million Kurds living in the greater Kurdistan region and facing complex geopolitical challenges, AFK believes the American-Kurdish alliance represents a natural partnership grounded in shared values of democracy, security, and stability. Through community education and relationship-building, AFK works to ensure that Kurdish voices and concerns are heard in American policy discussions, recognizing Kurds as frontline defenders against extremism and valued partners in regional security.

Founded in July 1988 by a dedicated committee of Kurdish leaders in Washington, DC, the Kurdish National Congress of North America stands as one of the oldest and largest Kurdish nonprofit organizations in North America. Established with the vision of creating a unified Kurdish umbrella organization, KNCNA held its first annual conference in August 1989 and has since grown into a cornerstone institution for the Kurdish diaspora. The organization's founding members—Asad Khailany, Ibrahim Salih, Asfandiar Shukri, Ahmed Uthman, Jalal Shaban, Wafa Khorsheed, and Abdul Haleem Mostafa—laid the groundwork for three decades of community empowerment and cultural preservation. Based in Washington, DC, KNCNA celebrates a milestone achievement in 2018 when the organization marked 30 years of unwavering dedication to the Kurdish cause and the Kurdish-American community. The organization's core mission centers on promoting unity and common purpose among all Kurds, transcending political and religious boundaries to foster inclusive community building. KNCNA serves as a vital gathering place where Kurdish families and individuals can connect with their heritage, engage in meaningful advocacy, and work collectively toward shared goals. Through years of dedicated service to Washington, DC and the broader North American Kurdish community, KNCNA has earned recognition as a trusted institution that honors Kurdish identity while advancing the interests and wellbeing of Kurdish people across the continent.