An Open Letter from Academics and Staff of the Universities in Northeast Syria

November 6, 2023

To Respected Academics and the International Academic Community,

We  pen this letter as educators and staff from the Universities in  Northeast Syria commonly known as Rojava, acting on behalf of the  Coordination Center of Universities in North and East Syria. We find  ourselves in a situation where, much like many regions across the Middle  East and the world, we are relentlessly under attack on multiple  fronts. The Turkish state continually subjects our society and  livelihoods to daily assaults utilizing a wide array of weaponry. At the  same time, we are deeply saddened and concerned by the ongoing Israeli  campaign of colonial violence in Gaza and the loss of thousands of lives  in Palestine and also in Hamas’s attacks in Israel. We express our  solidarity with everyone impacted by this war, especially with  colleagues and students in Gazan schools and universities whose campuses  have been destroyed by Israeli airstrikes. We stand with the  international community in calling for an immediate ceasefire and the  lifting of the blockade on Gaza.

In  these times of pain and sorrow and in the face of these dire  circumstances, we aim to express our thoughts and sentiments through  this message.

We  recognize that our suffering is not confined to our region alone, as  numerous parts of the world are grappling with severe challenges brought  about by the global dynamics of power and capital. As we approach the  conclusion of the first quarter of the 21st century, our world is  grappling with significant conflicts. On one hand, we are witnessing  rapid advancements in science and technology, while on the other hand,  we continue to experience warfare, genocides, and acts of terror at a  scale reminiscent of a "Third World War." Additionally, serious social  issues, assaults on the dignity of women, crimes against children,  environmental pollution, hunger, rising global temperatures, and many  other problems persist.

This  leads us to ponder: why has the development of science and technology  not led to progress in democracy, equality, ecology, peace, and human  rights? On the contrary, why have problems in these areas escalated?  What is the purpose of scientific advancement, and who is it intended to  benefit?

If  societal issues intensify alongside scientific progress, it becomes  imperative for scientists, educators, and researchers to ask these  questions and acknowledge their responsibilities. Institutions,  universities, academies, research centers, and the like, are arenas in  which such questions, conflicts, and challenges should be thoroughly  examined. Throughout history, ethics has always been a significant facet  of science and philosophy. Unfortunately, present-day academia and  universities seem to be experiencing a profound lapse in terms of  responsibility. It appears that human empathy and ethics have never been  so fragile. How is it that, despite widespread social, cultural, moral,  and physical atrocities occurring globally, academics and universities  are displaying such feebleness in asserting their will and stance?  Inaction or weak commitment in the face of mass murderers, colonialists,  assimilationists, invaders, fascists, sexists, greedy corporations, and  nationalists poses a grave threat to our world, our environment, our  society, and our livelihoods. Moreover, indifference to assaults on the  dignity and autonomy of women is equally perilous. It must not be  forgotten that a lack of commitment or weak commitment implies  complicity and partnership. Sadly, contemporary scientists and  universities are complicit to a considerable extent. This is an  undeniable reality that warrants a more explicit, interpretive, and  elucidative position.

History  attests that when philosophy, science, and knowledge fulfill their  ethical obligations, they advocate for radical change; they alleviate  societal suffering and fortify democracy, equality, and freedom. The  history of humanity shows that philosophy and the concepts of justice,  freedom and democracy have evolved when authorities and their  consequences grew weaker. This is a fundamental truth. Our aim is not to  reiterate these facts; rather, it is to draw attention to the imminent  danger we face. As academics and universities based in northeast Syria,  who are living through the consequences of these facts, we earnestly  wish to cultivate and foster a heightened sensitivity and awareness. We  firmly assert that what truly matters is not mourning when the pain  strikes us personally. We become global, social, and ethical when we  weep and raise our voices in solidarity with the suffering of people  worldwide. Pain does not need to be confined to our homes, our lands, or  our countries. If we fail to empathize with others today and remain  inactive, there might not be anyone left to assist us tomorrow.

Compassionate  individuals recognize that the people of Syria and Rojava have waged a  historic resistance against the terror of Daesh and the Turkish state's  occupation for many years. We have paid a steep price for our stance and  continue to do so. After occupying parts of our territory, the Turkish  state is imposing a regime of fear, threats, and daily massacres on us  through the use of drones, fighter jets, and bombings. Most recently, on  05.10.2023, the Turkish state flagrantly targeted our social  infrastructure. Before the eyes of the world, they systematically  destroyed critical facilities and resources, such as hospitals, schools,  academies, grain storage depots, power plants, water distribution  centers, oil facilities, and more, upon which millions of people depend.  

Pain  and suffering know no geography. There is no distinction between the  pain endured by Kurdish, Palestinian, and Israeli children, women, and  communities. Their suffering is a shared burden, and the right to life  is sacred for all. The key is for every one of us to unite against  oppressive and violent regimes and systems, irrespective of the context.  Our goal is not to perpetuate this narrative, but rather to draw  attention to the imminent danger confronting us. As academics and staff  at universities of northeast Syria, we have had firsthand experience of  these realities, and we are deeply committed to raising awareness and  taking action. We firmly assert that the vital point is not to grieve  when the pain is in our hearts. When we weep and raise our voices in  solidarity with the suffering of all individuals worldwide, we  demonstrate that we are global, social, and ethical. Pain need not be  limited to our homes, our land, or our country. If we fail to feel the  pain of others today and take a stand, tomorrow, when we face our own  hardships, there may be no one left to help us.

In  the current environment, we continue to face assaults, requiring us to  stand firm in the face of adversity. Consequently, our universities have  been temporarily closed due to circumstances beyond our control.  Nonetheless, we remain committed to our work and our struggle, not  allowing adversity to deter us from our mission. Our desire and hope are  to further strengthen our resolve and commitment as intellectuals,  educators, and academics. We firmly believe that the many projects we  have undertaken jointly can serve as a catalyst to prevent mass  atrocities, forge a path toward peace, and put an end to the dark  scenarios we face.

Sustained  commitment and a renewed struggle for peace and social justice offer the  only path to overcome the distress, violence, and attacks we are  currently enduring. In conclusion, we maintain that no force is mightier  than the power of unity among diverse societies striving for democratic  values. When hearts, minds, and the strength of communities come  together, they can indeed manifest the world they envision. Time is of  the essence, and if we do not act today, it may be too late. With the  hope of a peaceful, free, and equitable world for all!

The Coordination Center of the Universities of North and East Syria

(University of Rojava, University of Kobani, University of Al-Sharq)