The PYD, the “Women Defend Rojava” campaign and the Kurdish Democratic Society Center in Hanover held a rally on the Opernplatz in downtown Hanover to salute and talk about the revolution in Rojava and to celebrate the ninth anniversary of their existence together.

On the night between 18 and 19 July 2012, the self-defense committees in Western Kurdistan initially took control of the cities and later also of the villages, thus laying the foundation for an autonomous self-government in the region of Northern and Eastern Syria, based on grassroots democratic, gender-free and ecological principles. In the months and years that followed, the democratic autonomy was gradually expanded and deepened. The social awakening has remained true to its central principles to this day, despite numerous attacks by various regional and international powers. The organizers of the demonstration wanted to celebrate this success in Hanover together with the Kurdish community.

Several initiatives and groups had already spoken in the run-up to the rally, explaining why the Rojava revolution is important to them and what connects them with the revolution.

The local group of Fridays for Future declared that, in their eyes, the Rojava revolution was a real alternative. Capitalist modernity is doomed to failure, they said, adding that Rojava is proof that another world is possible. Finally, the activists of Fridays for Future invited the participants to visit them in their protest camp at the New Town Hall in order to get in closer contact and to learn more from each other.

In its statement, the Ventana al Sur group referred to the resistance of various indigenous communities in Central and South America. They underlined how the trip of the Zapatistas to Europe was an important event in order to connect struggles and to learn from one another.

The PYD co-chair in Syria, Ayşe Hiso, also sent a video message to greet the rally. She congratulated all communities in Northern and Eastern Syria on the anniversary of the revolution and appealed for the unity of the Kurdish people.

Another statement came from the Chico Mendes group, named after a Brazilian environmental activist who was murdered for his commitment. The Ronahî Women's Council, PYD Hanover, Women Defend Rojava and NAV-DEM Hanover also delivered speeches. They all discussed the prominent role women played in the revolution.

The rally turned into a small concert with live music, with the Hanover police being meticulous to ensure that no more than 15 minutes of music was played. The participants, several hundred of whom were there for over six hours, did not let their good mood be spoiled and danced to the music of Bavê Ronî and Ciwan Çewlik. Hip-hop artist Ibo Qamishlo was the last to perform at the end of the rally.