PYD marks 22nd anniversary, vows to continue democratic struggle

The PYD organized two celebrations today, in the cities of Raqqa and al-Hol, on the occasion of its 22nd anniversary. Attending were party members, representatives of civil and political institutions, tribal elders and dignitaries, as well as a large number of residents.

The celebration in Raqqa began with a moment of silence in honor of the martyrs. Then a message from leader Abdullah Ocalan, sent to the elders and dignitaries of Raqqa’s tribes, was read aloud.

 The message stressed the deep historical ties between the Kurdish and Arab peoples, underlining the importance of their alliance in achieving justice, equality, and the values of coexistence. It affirmed that the unity of the peoples of the region is the key to building a common future of peace and democracy.

PYD Co-Chair Gharib Hesso welcomed participants and said: “Syria has suffered a chronic crisis because of the centralized nationalist policies adopted by the former Baathist regime, which stripped Syria of its pluralistic identity.”

He stressed “the importance of continuing political and organizational struggle through the Democratic Union Party, which strives to meet the aspirations of all components of the Syrian people.”

Hesso added: “The democratic national project led by the Autonomous Administration represents a ray of hope for all Syrians in the absence of a genuine transitional government representing the people.”

He noted that “the physical freedom of leader Abdullah Ocalan is the key to the freedom of peoples, and that the path of resistance and struggle is the road we will continue, in loyalty to the sacrifices of the martyrs.”

For her part, the Co-Chair of the Executive Council in Raqqa Canton, Hevin Ismail, saluted the attendees and the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria. She affirmed that “from its beginning, the Democratic Union Party has been a supporter of the peoples of the region, and it represents a successful democratic model worthy of expansion and support.”

She emphasized the importance of women’s representation in decision-making positions, and the right of the region’s peoples to determine their own destiny within a free, democratic Syria. She renewed the pledge to continue along the path of democracy and struggle to build a pioneering model in the region.

Alaa al-Saleh, a member of the Training Office in the Zenobia Women’s Gathering in Raqqa, expressed her pride in women’s belonging to the party and praised their leadership role, calling for a stronger presence of women in political and social decision-making.

Ismail Awwas, a representative of occupied Tal Abyad, affirmed that the Democratic Union Party has been and remains a lifeline for all components of North and East Syria amid difficult challenges and circumstances.

The celebration also featured artistic and folkloric performances presented by the Helal Zerin troupe, expressing the region’s culture and diversity in a festive atmosphere that reflected solidarity and determination to continue working for a better future.

In the al-Hol celebration, PYD official Sajida Hassan welcomed participants and commemorated the martyrs who sacrificed their lives to protect the gains of the revolution. She stated that “the Democratic Union Party distinguished itself from other political parties in the region in terms of its founding and approach.”

Poet Hamid al-Rajab, known as “the Poet of the South,” recited an emotional poem congratulating the event, evoking the Syrian people’s long suffering under oppression and injustice.

a.k

ANHA

Raqqa