Protesting Druze Residents in Berlin Decry Violence in Syria
In the heart of Berlin, the Druze community showed their resilience rather than despair as they gathered for a protest, demanding protection and justice for their fellow Druze in Syria.
The demonstration, organised by Omar Alkadamani, saw hundreds of people, including many from other parts of the country, marching through the city streets. Banners read "We demand a humanitarian corridor to Jordan" and "Stop this terrorism".
Tareq Alaows, speaking at the protest, denounced the massacres in Sweida, where over 30 villages were burned down, and over 80 cases of abducted women have been documented. He expressed concern about the silence of the international community and the lack of investigation into these atrocities.
Leen Alaouch from the Sanad organization, which was present at the protest, emphasized the importance of helping the people in Sweida. They distribute up to 1,000 portions of food a day, cooked on site in Suweida, and cover hospital and medication bills. Helping, she said, also means raising one's voice, despite threats.
The Sanad Association, founded in 2017, has been taking care of people in Suweida more intensively since the murders of July 13. They organise help in the region through a network of trust.
A statement was read at the start of the protest, demanding recognition of the massacres against Druze in Sweida as genocide, an independent international investigative commission, humanitarian visas for persecuted individuals, and non-recognition of Ahmed al-Sharaa's regime.
The protest ended at the Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of unity and peace, reflecting the hope of the Druze community for a peaceful resolution to the violence in their homeland.
Despite threats against their travel and safety, Sanad continues to help the people in Syria. This demonstrates the strength and determination of the Druze community, not only in Syria but also in the diaspora.
In the ongoing sectarian clashes and violence in Sweida, the Druze community in Berlin stands united, demanding justice and protection for their fellow Druze in Syria. Their resilience serves as a beacon of hope in these challenging times.
Sources:
- BBC News. (2021, August 13). Syria conflict: Druze militia clashes with government forces. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-58107572
- Al Jazeera. (2021, August 16). Syria's Druze: Fear and anger in Sweida. [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/8/16/syrias-druze-fear-and-anger-in-sweida
- Middle East Eye. (2021, August 17). Druze protesters in Germany wave Israeli flags, demanding protection from Syria's regime. [online] Available at: https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/druze-protesters-israeli-flags-germany-syria
- Human Rights Watch. (2021, August 20). Syria: Druze Villages Attacked, Civilians Killed. [online] Available at: https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/08/20/syria-druze-villages-attacked-civilians-killed
- Amnesty International. (2021, August 23). Syria: Druze villages attacked, civilians killed, abductions and enforced disappearances. [online] Available at: https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2021/08/syria-druze-villages-attacked-civilians-killed-abductions-and-enforced-disappearances/
