Three Swiss municipalities hold solidarity night for Rojava

Hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes due to the attacks targeting Rojava. In response to the unfolding humanitarian crisis, the Kurdish Red Crescent (Heyva Sor a Kurdistan) has launched a worldwide aid campaign. Relief initiatives are continuing in many cities, particularly in Southern Kurdistan (Başur).

In Switzerland’s canton of Vaud, a solidarity event for the Kurdish Red Crescent was organized under the leadership of the FC Kurde Lausanne football team, in cooperation with the municipalities of Renens, Lausanne, and Vevey, as well as the Lausanne Democratic Kurdish Community Center (DKTM-Lausanne) and the Lajin Women’s Assembly. Swiss politicians and mayors also attended the event. All proceeds from the evening will be donated to the Kurdish Red Crescent to support humanitarian aid efforts in Rojava.

The event held at the Salle de Spectacle in Renens opened with a moment of silence in memory of those who lost their lives in the resistance in Rojava. Aysel Argın, co-chair of the DKTM-Lausanne, spoke to participants, said: “We have come together this evening for Rojava. I would like to thank, first and foremost, the mayors, municipal council members, and representatives of political parties who contributed to this night. We salute everyone who has strengthened this solidarity. Bijî Berxwedana Rojava (Long live the resistance of Rojava).”

Hediya Abdullah, co-chair of the Kurdish Red Crescent, joined the event via video message and thanked those who offered their support. Abdullah said, “With the latest attacks, thousands of our people are staying in schools and mosques. Kobanê is under siege, and a serious humanitarian crisis is unfolding. These contributions are vital for our people. We are grateful to all donors and call for the continuation of this support.”

Speeches were delivered at the event by Renens Mayor Jean-François Clément; Xavier Roth, a member of the Workers’ Party of Switzerland in Lausanne (POP); Sevgi Koyuncu, a Lausanne municipal council member from the POP; Julien Berthod, chair of the youth organization of the Socialist Party, Jungsozialist*innen Schweiz (SP Youth); and Tanya Nihal Işık, a candidate for the municipal council from the POP.

Proceeds from the food and drinks sold during the evening will be transferred to the Kurdish Red Crescent. The Kurdish Red Crescent said it will issue an official statement on the donations in the coming days.