Ebu Osman, a hero of 63 years old from the city Kobanê, is now standing at the frontline in Raqqa. Like any adorer of the revolution he is tirelessly on the hop to provide the fighters with food and meet all their needs.
Every revolution gives birth to its own heroes. Some of their names are heard, yet some are not. But this does not alter the features of those who define the revolution at all. Being at all time at the place needed, ready to be of service, are their fundamental characteristics.
They are 24 hours with us, live with us. Many among us might be not aware of the significance of the burden they shoulder for the revolution. But it does not diminish their role the least.
One of those hidden heroes is 63 years old Ebu Osman.
Ebu Osman is a patriotic YPG member. He is in charge of the logistic for the frontline in the Operation to liberate Raqqa. As he was occupied in bringing round food to all his dear children at the frontline, we met him. At first sight his age, and a split second later his enormous energy leaped to the eye.
“50 DEGREE HEAT AND STILL NO DECLINE IN HIS ENERGY”
In spite of the torrid temperatures in spring, the desert heat, which even prevents the young from setting a foot outside, he however runs restlessly, bearing energy which is in no way inferior to the young boys and girls.
The fighters who witness this hearty devotion, treat him with much love, affection and respect. To prevent him from becoming overwrought, they give him a helping hand. One fighter told me: "As long as we have people like him, our death is of no concern for us". It is evident that Ebu Osman's dedication is levelling up at the same time the spirit of war of the fighters.
“TAKING PART AT ALL FRONTS”
As Ebu Osman is heading to our direction, we ask him why he still is at this age at the war front. He answers: "How could I possibly have left our young people alone?", explaining to us that he partook not only in the Operation to liberate Raqqa but at all fronts since the very beginning of the revolution.
As he spoke, he also said: "I can not lead another life. Shall I sit comfortably at home, while they liberate our homeland and our people? As much as I can, I will serve my children, my homeland and my revolution." We asked him whether his children are here as well, and he replied: "Yes, they all are my children." His answer made me feel a bit ashamed. A fighter next to me observing this situation starts to laugh.
“I HAVE TO HURRY, MY CHILDREN ARE HUNGRY”
As I try to get Abu Osman involved in a discussion, he hurries around calling: "Pardon me, comrade, we might find another time to speak together. The children are hungry", and hastens away.
From a fighter standing next to me I learn that his age is 63 years. Another fighter said about Ebu Osman: "Ebu Osman is at the front line ever since the revolution started. He has three children. He lives in Serêkaniyê but is originally from Kobane. He always talks about the time when leader Apo came to Kobane and the beginnings of the revolution in Kobane. He is immensely proud of that and continues, saying: 'Until my last breath I will be worthy of leader Apo'." Afterwards we follow him the storehouse he vanished into to fetch some provisions. He is seemingly not fond of speaking in front of the camera, running nonstop up and down and doing his work. We still ask him to answer for a few minutes some of our questions, to which he gives brief and clear replies. He says: "For me it is not important which place it is. Wherever it is wanted, I will go there. Be it this front or another place. I do not care."
