This year, 11 years after the Suruç massacre, memorial events for the 33 victims have once again taken place in numerous countries. In July 2015, dozens of young people set out for Rojava. Their pledge was: “Together we defended it; together we will rebuild it!” Under this motto, revolutionary youth from Turkey and Northern Kurdistan launched a campaign aimed at building a bridge between the Turkish revolutionary movement and the Rojava Revolution. Following the heroic defense of Kobanê and the victory of the revolutionary Kurdish forces, it was crucial to defend the Rojava Revolution and rebuild the war-torn areas. After weeks of intensive preparations—which included collecting toys for the children in Kobanê—they set off for Rojava.

On July 20, 2015, a press conference was scheduled to take place in the town of Suruç, just a few kilometers from the border with Rojava. But during the press conference, an ISIS attack took place, in which 33 young people lost their lives. This massacre was no accident, but rather a deliberate collaboration between the Turkish fascist regime and ISIS. To this day, the relatives of the victims, who have joined together in the “Suruç Families’ Initiative,” are fighting for truth and justice. Even in the 11th year, the voices of those demanding accountability have not been silenced. On the contrary, this year has seen numerous actions in Turkey, Kurdistan, and Europe. It is clear that the bereaved families, as well as all revolutionary, democratic, and progressive forces, will never give up the struggle until justice prevails. To this day, none of the perpetrators have been seriously held accountable. Instead, numerous revolutionaries who survived the massacre—and who remain physically and psychologically wounded to this day—are currently languishing in Turkish prisons. Likewise, those who demand justice are intimidated or threatened by the state. Yet all the methods of the fascist state remain ineffective; whether in prisons or on the streets, the unshakable spirit of resistance was palpable everywhere.

In Turkey and Northern Kurdistan, as is done every year, people visited the graves of the fallen at 11:50 a.m.—the time of the 2015 attack—to commemorate them. In Istanbul, Bursa, Samsun, Amed, Mus, Elazig, Urfa, Mardin, Şırnak, Hakkari, Agri, Dersim, Wan, and Hatay, relatives, friends, representatives of democratic and revolutionary organizations, labor unions, and members of parliament from the DEM Party gathered. Numerous demonstrations, rallies, and press statements were also held that day in many other cities across Turkey and Northern Kurdistan.

A memorial service was also held at 11:50 a.m. in front of the Amara Cultural Center, the site where the 33 “Dream Travelers” attained immortality. Speakers reaffirmed that Turkey’s revolutionary movement has not been defeated despite this severe attack and many other massacres and blows inflicted by the state. The struggle to build a bridge between Turkey and the Rojava Revolution continues. The speeches made it clear that, despite all its attempts at intimidation, the fascist ruling regime has been unable to destroy this bridge. The liberation of the peoples of Turkey goes hand in hand with that of the peoples of Kurdistan. The dreams of the 33 young people live on. Thus, the event concluded with the slogan: “Long live the brotherhood of the peoples!”

In Rojava as well, memorial events were held in Kobanê, Qamislo, and Hesekê. For the people of Rojava, commemorating the Suruç massacre holds a very special significance. Of course, there are numerous massacres that have shaped the history of the Kurdish people’s resistance and are commemorated annually. But the Suruç massacre represents a decisive turning point, for it was effectively a declaration of war by the fascist ruling regime against the revolutionary Kurdish movement, against the Rojava Revolution, and against all its supporters. Furthermore, the act of practical solidarity expressed by the revolutionary youth at that time holds great significance for the peoples of Rojava, who continue to defend their revolution to this day. Especially today, at a time when the revolution is under greater threat than ever before, commemorating Suruç is also a practical call for international solidarity.

At a memorial event, a young communist from Rojava said: “It is of great importance in these times to stand up for Kurdistan. For we are currently going through a decisive phase. Under the guise of ‘integration,’ the jihadist Golani gangs are forcing our people to surrender and face annihilation. The people of Rojava must rise up and set everything else aside.

Personal grievances, silence—all of that must be set aside; now is not the time for that. Now is the time to organize. Now is the time to stand up for the revolution in Rojava. That is why we say: The call from Pirsûs (the Kurdish name for the city of Suruç) is to stand up for the revolution.”

Various revolutionary youth organizations from Europe have taken the initiative this year to spread the stories of the 33 “Dream Travelers.” Honoring their memory is also a promise to continue the internationalist struggle. Demonstrations, rallies, and cultural events took place in Germany, France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Austria, and Switzerland. At the demonstration in Berlin, representatives of the People’s Caravan also took the floor; this year, they set out for Kobanê to defend the Rojava Revolution as internationalists during its most difficult times. They emphasized that the fallen heroes of Suruç remain role models for all internationalists and that international solidarity must find practical expression.