Families of Martyrs in Tel Tamr reject changing school names

Today, the Council of Martyrs’ Families in Tel Tamr issued a statement condemning attempts by the Syrian interim government to change the names of several schools named after the region’s martyrs.

The statement was read in Martyrs’ Park by the co-chair of the Council of Martyrs’ Families in Tel Tamr, Jinar Al-Youssef, in the presence of several martyrs’ families, local residents, and representatives of civil institutions.

The statement emphasized that “the names of the martyrs are not merely words written on schools and institutions, but the memory of a people and a reflection of the sacrifices made by those who gave their lives in defense of the land, freedom, and dignity.” It also stressed that these names were chosen to commemorate the martyrs’ legacy.

The statement noted that schools bearing the names of martyrs carry a national and moral message, helping to strengthen the values of loyalty, belonging, and sacrifice among future generations, while introducing students to the history of the region and the sacrifices made to preserve life there.

It added that any attempts to change the martyrs’ names amount to targeting the memory of society and the emotions of martyrs’ families, stressing that the martyrs were not merely individuals, but national and humanitarian symbols that will remain present in the conscience of peoples.

The statement held the concerned authorities morally and historically responsible for any decision affecting the names of the martyrs, calling for respect for the will of martyrs’ families and the feelings of society, and urging a reversal of any measures aimed at erasing the symbolism of the sacrifices made to protect the region.

The statement concluded by affirming continued efforts to defend the legacy of the martyrs and preserve their memory, stressing that peoples who preserve the names of their martyrs preserve their dignity and history.

After the statement was read, attendees chanted: “Martyrs are immortal.”

 ANHA