Qamishlo (Qamishli) – In North and East Syria, well known for its ethnic, sectarian, and cultural diversity, people are experiencing a unique form of coexistence. The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) serves as a functioning model of cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity, where Arabs, Kurds, Christians, and other communities live together with mutual respect and cooperation.

However, Syria continues to suffer from civil war, exacerbated by the policies of the interim government, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. The armed groups backed by the government have been accused of sowing discord among Syria’s ethnic and religious identities. Critics argue that such factions exploit a lack of awareness among certain segments of society to undermine national unity, democracy and efforts to promote coexistence and solidarity among ethnic and religious groups in Syria.

Coexistence strengthens the values of unity

Regarding the unity of people and the challenges faced by them amidst attempts to sow discord, Fatima Hassan Al-Jasim, a member of the Martyrs' Families Council in Qamishlo from the Bani Saba'a tribe, emphasized that the coexistence in the region “is not only a slogan”, but a tangible reality deeply embedded in all facets of life—from work and education to social and religious occasions. “However, this peace faces genuine challenges from external forces that seek to create divisions, making it imperative for the people of the region to stand united in confronting these attempts and defending the territorial integrity and fraternity of all communities.”

Fatima Hassan Al-Jasim has been working for the AANES for over 10 years.

“I do not see any difference or discrimination between myself and the other communities, whether they are Kurds, Christians, or members of other sects and ethnicities in the region. In northeastern Syria, we all enjoy a multicultural, multi-religious, and multi-ethnic society, and this diversity is a source of strength for us, not weakness. We have learned to respect each other and appreciate the heritage, customs, and traditions of everyone, regardless of their cultural, religious, or ethnic backgrounds.”

Fatima Hassan Al-Jasim also emphasized that certain external forces “seek to sow discord” among the communities, exploiting international and foreign interests aimed at dismantling the unity of the Syrian people and undermining the vision of a democratic nation, as well as the fraternity of people and coexistence advocated by leader Abdullah Ocalan.

“As an Arab tribe, we believe in the philosophy of leader Abdullah Öcalan, who calls for peace and coexistence. We affirm the bonds of kinship and affection that bind us to the other communities.”

‘We believe in the unity of the people’

Syrian people face foreign forces aimed at serving the interests of countries that do not want the region’s stability or the unity of its people,” she told NuJINHA. “These forces aim to dismantle national cohesion and sow discord among the people in order to tear apart the social fabric, create divisions that would weaken Syria, and control the country earlier. Through these destructive policies, they aim to facilitate the occupation of the region, expel its people, who have lived here for generations, and ultimately plunder its rich resources, which are essential to the livelihood and prosperity of its people. Despite these efforts, the Syrian people are aware of the threats posed by these foreign forces and are determined to preserve their unity, security, and stability, rejecting all attempts to divide and fragment them.”

Fatima Hassan Al-Jasim called on all Arab tribes to be more aware and not to succumb to those attempting to sow discord, division, and sectarianism. "We believe in the unity of the people, who have defended this region from terrorist organizations and occupying forces. My son and my husband fought and were martyred alongside their Kurdish friends to protect the region. I am proud to be the mother and wife of the heroes, who fought so that the nation may live in peace and security.”

She concluded her speech saying, “We know that the Kurds have made great efforts to protect women and children, preserve the rights of citizens, and build unity. We will join hands with unwavering determination to thwart any plans aimed at undermining the democratic nation project. We will not allow these hidden poisonous hands to break the unity of the people.”