Last Saturday in Toulouse, a successful event promoting solidarity with the Kurdish people took place. It also served as a tribute to Ivana Hoffman, the 19-year-old Afro-German revolutionary who tragically lost her life fighting against Daesh a year ago.
[
[
Unlike a similar event in Toulouse the previous year, organized by different groups, this gathering was arranged by [Voie Proletarienne], a French communist organization. What’s noteworthy is the significant presence of non-Kurdish Toulousains, indicating growing support for the Kurdish cause among the broader left-leaning population. The Kurdish struggle against Daesh and the Turkish government resonates with anyone who values basic human rights.
The event featured a talk, unfortunately in French (making it hard for me to follow), along with a concert. I was hoping to find some reading material and donate to the cause (you can contribute to medical supplies for anti-fascist fighters in Rojava here: [donate online), and to see the atmosphere. As I’ve said, I was pretty happy to see the large crowd attending (200 people says here]), and luckily, I found some great items to purchase.
[
The choice of vegetarian food was a pleasant surprise. While common within the punk scene, it’s not something I expected from a communist organization—kudos to them!
The concert itself was captivating. [Grup Piya] opened with traditional Kurdish music, and the singer’s voice was truly captivating. Following that was [Thawra], a left-wing rapper from Berlin, who delivered a powerful and thought-provoking performance. Her explanations of each song’s meaning, reminiscent of the hardcore/punk scene from two decades ago, added a special touch. Musically, some tracks resonated with me more than others, but her unique voice and flow were outstanding. [This video] will definitely leave you craving more. Interestingly, the [AntiDeutsche] controversy didn’t seem to resonate with the audience, which I found understandable. I’ve grown weary of the Israel/Palestine conflict. Both sides, with their extremist elements (Zionist settlers and Jewish supremacists on one hand, Islamist extremists on the other), have made it difficult to pick a side. Honestly, I’m more concerned about overlooked conflicts like [Western Sahara]. As dire as the situation in Gaza may be, the plight of the Sahrawi people in the Sahara desert, facing dwindling international aid, seems far worse, especially without the added burden of Islamist factions.
[
another day of solidarity with the Kurdkish struggle
