Kobani — Media and political incitement against the Kurdish people in Rojava continues, amid calls from women’s and human rights organizations to halt these campaigns, which particularly target female fighters and politically active women. 

On Saturday, January 31, Star Congress in the Euphrates Canton issued a statement read by Lajin Al-Salem, coordinator of the congress, which stated: 

“Here is Kobani, not Gaza. Here is the will of a people that broke the greatest terror that once frightened the world—this will and strength liberated the regions of northeast Syria without discrimination between Arab and Kurdish cities. Today, unfortunately, incitement against Kurds is clear, coming from media outlets, factions affiliated with the new government, and some Arab tribes. Where is chivalry? Where is conscience? Where are the living consciences in your hearts? Have you forgotten that the Kurd is the brother of the Arab? Have you forgotten your relationship spanning thousands of years, a strong bond built on love and fraternity?” 

The statement noted that the formation of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) strengthened partnership among the region’s components, as the strategy of consensus was embodied on the battlefield through the unity of Arab and Kurdish blood. It criticized what it described as media incitement against Kurds, particularly targeting female fighters and active women politicians. 

The statement also pointed out that this discourse ignores the prominent role played by Kurdish women in confronting ISIS, as they participated in the battles of Raqqa, Deir ez-Zor, and Manbij and contributed to its defeat. It emphasized that “the woman honored by heavenly religions and the Messenger of Islam continues to face insult, violence, and killing, despite having been—and still being—a symbol of strong will and effective resistance.” 

Through its statement, Star Congress stressed that there are attempts to break the will of Kurdish women, noting that “the Kurdish people, who offered sacrifices of their sons and daughters for the sake of brotherhood with other components, find themselves today with no support except from their own people.” 

The statement clarified that “the withdrawal of Kurdish forces from Raqqa, Tabqa, and Arab regions was not weakness or defeat, but rather a step to avoid confrontation and bloodshed, and to stop media incitement and strife between the Kurdish and Arab peoples.” 

Star Congress appealed to those with integrity who see the truth yet remain silent, affirming that silence in the face of these violations deepens suffering and undermines trust in justice and politics. It concluded: 

“We, as Star Congress, and in the name of all women in the Euphrates Canton—Arab and Kurdish—loudly call upon public opinion, human rights organizations, legal experts, and politicians to stop this incitement against our people and our women. The braids of our women are greater than this sedition and incitement. Long live justice that upholds fairness, sows love between Kurds and Arabs, and does justice to women whose will breaks the world with its strength, and whose braids inscribe history with victories.”