The Kurdish Freedom Movement has become the hope of free life for oppressed peoples against the policies of hegemonic powers and the statist mentality throughout the world, especially in the Middle East. Those who join the movement find the true meaning of life and fight to protect human values. One of those fighting in the Freedom Movement is the Arab fighter Elî Firat Qamişlo from the Tey tribe.

Impressed by the struggle of freedom fighters against ISIS, Qamişlo became acquainted with Leader Abdullah Öcalan’s ideas and decided to join the freedom struggle.

Talking about his participation in the guerrilla ranks, Elî Firat Qamişlo said, "The war started in our region with the attacks of ISIS and many groups emerged under different names. When we heard the name of the PKK from among those groups, it immediately attracted our attention as a family. We were very impressed when our comrades in social areas told us about Leader Apo's (Abdullah Öcalan’s) ideas. Due to the state mentality dominating the Arab society, the system was trying to prevent us from meeting the pioneering leaders."

Remarking that his interest in the Freedom Movement increased after his two brothers joined the YPG, guerrilla Elî Firat said, "After my participation, I took part in the Til Hemîs operation. At that time, a friend of mine was martyred in front of my eyes. This incident strengthened my belief in my struggle and I decided to join this movement in 2016. The people of the region were suffering great persecution and sorrow due to the attacks of ISIS gangs. A power was needed to save the people. Leader Apo's projects aimed to liberate the people in a just way. With the arrival of the freedom fighters, the darkness on society was replaced by light.”

'Kurdish and Arab peoples fought shoulder to shoulder'

Emphasising the importance of the joint struggle of the Kurdish and Arab peoples, guerrilla Elî Firat continued: "During the war, the Kurdish and Arab peoples fought shoulder to shoulder against the gangs and this made a deep impression on me. The state's mentality imposed that the two nations do not live together and not communicate with each other. However, we destroyed this mentality through the unity we formed. The invasion attacks by the Turkish state resurrect gangs such as ISIS and Al-Nusra. As an Arab youngster, I consider it a duty to fight against this mentality. These attacks should not be accepted by anyone who is attached to their land.

'The struggle here is very different and meaningful'

Our anger at the Turkish state's invasion attacks on the mountains of Kurdistan and the guerrillas is increasing day by day. That is why I chose to fight in these mountains.I saw many of my Arab friends in the mountains. They were affected by the same spirit as me. This is the spirit of Rêber Apo’s comradeship. The struggle here is very different and meaningful. The enemy is trying to weaken us, but the more we struggle, the freer we will be. We will not allow the enemy to achieve its goal.

'We will defend our people until the last drop of our blood'

Appealing to the Arab youth to join the guerrilla ranks, the HPG guerrilla fighter added, "The PKK is a serious movement. It will not leave any occupying power in Kurdistan in peace. We will further strengthen our struggle with Leader Apo's perspective. The PKK is a just movement that emerged for the freedom of the people and for this reason it will never be defeated. Today, as Arab young people, we are confronting the Turkish state’s attacks. The Turkish state deeply resents the fact that Arab youngsters are fighting in the ranks of the PKK in the mountains. Everyone who wants a free and honourable life should take Leader Apo's philosophy as a basis. At the moment, our struggle in the mountains is being carried out with the power of Leader Apo's philosophy. We will defend our people until the last drop of our blood."