Algerian women's solidarity with Women's Protection Units

Messages of solidarity continue from activists and influential figures across the Middle East in support of the Women's Protection Units (YPJ), amid calls for their official recognition within a distinct structure of the Syrian army that preserves their unique identity and their role in the struggle.

In this context, Sharifa Khaddar, head of the "Our Algeria" organization, sent a message of solidarity to the YPJ, affirming her full support for their struggle and invoking the history of Algerian women in the liberation struggle.

The message read:

“We followed with pride and admiration your legendary steadfastness in the Battle of Kobani for 134 days. We watched as Commander Maryam Kobani stood firm on the eastern front, and as Commander Rojda Felat led the attack on the 45th night.

You proved to the world that the will of women can defeat the most brutal terrorist organizations, and that land is liberated by the hands of its women.

Our sisters, we understand the meaning of what you said to ISIS: 'This is our land, these are our women, and we will not be broken.' Just as the beautiful women of Algeria once said to the French colonizer: 'We belong to the homeland.'"

Today, we see new forces trying to push you backward, under the pretext of "biological nature and social conditions." We heard such arguments in Algeria after independence in 1962, and Jamila Bouhired's response was: "The revolution will not end as long as there is injustice."

We heard about you, and we knew that the revolution does not die. You faced ISIS, then you faced the siege, where the organization besieged you for 134 days in Kobani, thinking you were weak.

We found Rojda Felat leading the attack on the 45th night, saying: "This land holds the graves of our mothers."

We found Maryam Kobani burying Zilan, Ruken, and Nurshan, then returning to the front lines.

We found Arin Mirkan blowing herself up to break the siege of death.

We found Asya Ramazan Antar saying: "I took up arms because I love life."

After you liberated Syria from ISIS, the new Syrian government declared, "The biological nature and social circumstances of women do not permit them to fight in the military." The doors of the army and security forces were closed to you, as if those who liberated Kobani and faced car bombs were unfit to defend the homeland.

But preserving the memory and the historical narrative is your responsibility, because the end of combat operations does not mean the end of the battle.

We declare our absolute solidarity with you, and we will stand by your side in every international forum, every statement, and every diplomatic arena.

We will tell the world that the women who liberated Kobani and confronted ISIS are capable of rebuilding Syria.

We are with you because our cause is one.

From Algeria to Kobani, from the blood of the martyr to the pulse of freedom, peace be upon your steadfastness, and peace be upon your victory.

We heard about you, and we knew that the revolution does not die. You faced ISIS, and then you faced the government.”

Sh-S

ANHA