On Monday, the Barzani Charity Foundation (BCF) hosted a high-profile commemorative event titled “Defenders of Humanity” on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., honoring the courage, shared sacrifices, and historic partnership between American military veterans and Kurdish Peshmerga forces.

The gathering brought together U.S. officials, community representatives, humanitarian partners, donors, and long-standing friends of the Kurdish people to recognize key humanitarian supporters and celebrate an enduring commitment to defending human life, freedom, and dignity.

Khunav Amin, the BCF Representative to the United States, told Kurdistan Chronicle that the program focused on acknowledging the crucial contributions of American service members and Peshmerga fighters in the joint campaign against ISIS, particularly their pivotal roles in safeguarding civilian populations and restoring regional stability.

“The event also highlighted peaceful coexistence among Christians, Jews, Muslims, Yezidis, and other communities in Kurdistan Region, emphasizing mutual respect, religious freedom, and the protection of cultural identities,” Amin said.

Treefa Aziz, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Representative to the United States, addressed the assembled guests, highlighting the deep-rooted alliance between Washington and Erbil forged through decades of close military and humanitarian cooperation.

According to a statement released by the KRG Representation in the United States, Aziz also stressed the strategic necessity of sustained partnership. She highlighted the importance of continued U.S. support for the Peshmerga — specifically through security cooperation, specialized training, and defense assistance — to bolster their operational capabilities against ongoing security challenges across the region.