The Partiya Yekîtiya Demokrat (Democratic Union Party) (PYD) has launched an international aid campaign for the Kobanê canton of Rojava (West Kurdistan), which since 15 September has been under attack by ISIS gangs. While hundreds of thousands of people have left the canton, which is under a de facto embargo, thousands remain there threatened by massacre. The YPG/YPJ fighters are waging a relentless resistance to the ISIS gangs in spite of their limited means. This resistance has become the focus of international attention. Hundreds of well-known writers, performers and academics have signed an appeal calling for 1 November to be declared a day of global solidarity with Kobanê. Interest in Kobanê continues to grow as the resistance against the ISIS gangs is now 40 days old.

PYD Co-President Salih Muslim said this interest needed to be broadened, calling for international assistance. Muslim said his people were having a hard time, but added: “I’m sure that with the support of our friends victory will be ours,” calling on everyone to support Kobanê.

‘We are protecting the values of humanity’

Co-President Salih Muslim has issued a statement saying: “Since 15 September Kobanê has been facing the brutal attacks of ISIS. The people of Kobanê and the YPG are mounting a historic resistance. They are aware that they are defending the honour and values of humanity. They are waging the struggle with this belief. Our people have taken to the roads and our city has been devastated as the world looks on.”

Salih Muslim emphasised that world public opinion had shown a great interest, adding: “there has been solidarity from organisations and the people who can see that the resistance in Kobanê is protecting human values against savage attacks. This interest is encouraging, and we appreciate it, but it is insufficient. It needs to be translated into practice.”

‘We need material and moral support’

Salih Muslim recalled that the resistance of the people of Kobanê has exposed the reality of ISIS, adding: “We want the international interest to create an influence on politics and on states. This needs to happen as the people of Kobanê are in a desperate situation. Everyone needs to help the Kurds. This is a matter of humanity. We therefore need the material and moral support of our friends. With this support I’m sure victory will be ours.”

You can lend your support to the international aid campaign launched by the PYD at the bank account below:

Altruism Foundation
www.altruism-foundation.org
Account No.: 859005216 (SNS Bank)
IBAN: NL31SNSB0859005216
BIC: SNSBNL2A
 
Silava e.V.
IBAN: 34 4325 0030 0001 0509 05             
 Bic : WELADED1HRN