Women mark sixth anniversary of Helinj martyrs, renew commitment to freedom struggle

On the evening of June 23, 2020, Helinj village, located in the eastern countryside of Kobani, was targeted in a drone strike carried out by the Turkish state. The attack hit a civilian house in the village, resulting in the deaths of three women: Kongra Star administrator Hebun Mela Khalil, Kongra Star Coordination member Zehra Berkel, and the owner of the targeted house, Amina Waisi. The attack sparked widespread local outrage and strong reactions, particularly among activists and politicians.

Marking the sixth anniversary of the deaths of the three activists, Khunaf Khalil, a member of the Kongra Star Coordination in Kobani, spoke to our agency and said:

"Today marks six years since the Helinj village massacre. We remember our martyred comrades Zehra , Hebun, and Mother Amina, who were strong and dedicated women activists."

She added:

"We remain committed to the same path. Every year, our struggle, work, and determination for women's freedom grow stronger. Throughout history and up to the present day, pioneering women have been targeted by the enemies of the Kurdish people. Women such as the martyrs Zilan, Ronahi, Leyla, Zehra, Nujiyan, Viyan, Hebun, and Mother Amina have become symbols and leaders in society. Thousands of women continue to follow in their footsteps and carry on their journey."

Khunaf explained that strong and activist women have long been primary targets of forces hostile to humanity. She noted that this was not limited to the Helinj massacre but was also evident during the Kobani massacre, where women were among the main targets.

"The free woman with a strong will has always been a source of fear and concern for occupying forces. History bears witness to many massacres and violations targeting women, as well as national, political, and diplomatic figures, with the aim of breaking their will," she said.

Khunaf pointed out that, in response to policies of extermination and denial directed against Kurdish women, women rose up, launched a revolution, and became leaders within it. They confronted all forms of marginalization and denial and consistently stood at the forefront of the struggle.

She stated:

"Women like Mother Amina, Zehra, became role models through their struggle for the freedom of society and women. They emerged as pioneers in the fight for the rights of women and society as a whole. The Helinj massacre was an attempt to break the will of every free woman striving for a dignified and liberated life, free from patriarchal and authoritarian mentalities."

Khunaf stressed that despite progress, women still lack full recognition in many areas and that the current government in Syria continues to fall short in ensuring their genuine participation.

She explained that merely speaking about accepting women is not enough; recognition of women must be deeply rooted throughout all levels of governance. Ensuring women's identity, essence, and will within a new Syrian system requires the protection of their rights in a new constitution. Women's freedom, she said, represents the freedom of society as a whole.

She added:

"Hebun, Zehra, and Amina dedicated their lives to securing women's freedom and ultimately became martyrs on that path."

Khunaf continued:

"Thanks to pioneering women such as Zehra and Mother Amina, we will continue to rise and defend the path of free women until the end. Through the thought of Abdullah Ocalan, we will reaffirm this path and secure our place in the constitution with the philosophy of 'Woman, Life, Freedom.' The authoritarian mentality that seeks to erase our existence will never overcome the strength of women who have asserted their will."

Concluding her remarks, Khunaf Khalil said:

"We possess extensive experience, particularly through the Women's Protection Units. The government seeks to eliminate this powerful will that defends all women, but we affirm that, guided by the path of our martyrs and women comrades, we will protect the road to freedom together and prevail. They seek to build a system based on class divisions, but we reject this and insist that Syria should be as diverse and colorful as spring. We will continue our resistance in pursuit of justice."

On June 23, 2021, the house where the three women were killed was converted into a museum, preserving some of their belongings and photographs. Every year, their memory is honored through commemorative ceremonies and candle-lighting events.

ANHA