Ibrahim Zrari, a senior figure in the Kurdish administration in Iraq, wrote in an article published online on Sunday that Kurds in Syria require both military protection and humanitarian assistance. Zrari also serves as deputy high priest of the Zoroastrian faith in the Kurdish region.
"Rojava reflects a deep historical legacy carried by the Kurds across generations," Zrari wrote. "A legacy rooted in tolerance, acceptance of others, and respect for human life without distinction of religion, ethnicity, gender, or color. These values did not emerge during the war against ISIS. They originate in the Zoroastrian religious heritage."
He added that "Because of this foundation, women have always held an equal position in Kurdish culture. They participate fully in public life, defense, education, and community leadership. Zoroastrianism also separated religion from state authority from its earliest expressions. There was no doctrine of war to impose belief. Conflict was limited to self-defense and protection of land and people. This principle defines the Kurdish struggle today in Syrian Kurdistan."
Zrari recalled that "When ISIS expanded across the region, Kurdish fighters in Rojava confronted the threat directly. They did so with limited resources and under extreme conditions. Men and women stood together to defend civilians and prevent mass killings. They protected Muslims, Christians, Yazidis, and others from extermination. Thousands of lives were saved because Kurdish forces chose resistance over retreat. This sacrifice did not stem from ambition or political goals, but from human values: preserving life, protecting the innocent and upholding dignity."
He said Kurdish fighters demonstrated that "Kurdish fighters showed that strength does not depend on weapons alone. It depends on discipline, solidarity, and ethical commitment. The role of Kurdish women on the front lines was not symbolic. It was decisive. They led military units, organized humanitarian aid, and rebuilt shattered communities. Their presence reflected a culture that recognizes equality as practice, not rhetoric. The Kurdish defense of Rojava formed a barrier against one of the most violent extremist movements of the modern era. This defense protected not only local communities but global security. Terrorism was stopped before it spread further."
Against this backdrop, the senior Kurdish official issued a call to the world, implicitly including Israel. "Today, Kurds in western Kurdistan face renewed existential threats. They are subjected to military campaigns by forces that once embodied extremist violence and now pursue the same goals under different labels. This reality demands action. You are facing a clear moral question. A people who defended humanity now need protection. Humanitarian assistance is necessary to safeguard civilians. Military protection is required to prevent destruction and displacement. International responsibility cannot be postponed. "
The official concluded by stressing that "Rojava proves a single truth. Tolerance among Kurds is inherited practice, not political messaging. Their struggle has always been about defending human life. The decision before the world is simple. Stand with those who stood for everyone when it mattered most."
