January 23, 2026, Frankfurt am Main – After the “Caravan for the Defense of Humanity”
announced its start with a press conference yesterday, more than 100 participants joined on its first
day. On two routes in Germany, from Cologne via Frankfurt and Freiburg to Zurich, and from
Hanover via Kassel to Leipzig, the caravan is approaching its intermediate destination of Vienna. At
the same time, a convoy of the caravan set off from the French city of Lyon towards Turin.
The many people from different parts of Europe are united by the common goal of sending a strong
signal of solidarity with the resistance of the population of the democratic self-administration in
Syria. They also want to use their action to break the international silence on the war crimes
committed by the Syrian Islamist army. To this end, they set off today. Their destination: the
Kurdish city of Kobane in Syria. This city is currently surrounded by the Syrian army. According to
reports, the Syrian army has cut off the electricity and water supply, and the internet is also down.
Today, a convoy of the caravan also set off in France. After a press conference, several cars carrying
more than 10 people set off for Vienna. “The fact that more than 100 people joined the caravan on
the first day is a great success and a strong sign of solidarity,” said Gesa Jonasson, spokesperson for
the caravan.
In Germany, the routes of the individual convoys passed through many different cities. In each city,
they were welcomed by hundreds of people, who provided them with food and organized
accommodation for the night. “The support we have received on our journey so far has been
overwhelming. Thousands of people are already involved in this campaign,” Gesa Jonasson
continued.
In the various cities, the caravan took part in local rallies and demonstrations protesting, among
other things, the human rights violations committed by the Syrian army. In many speeches, such as
at the rally in Kassel, the danger posed by the rise of Islamic State in Syria was addressed. Zozan
Kisa, who joined the caravan in Frankfurt, emphasizes: “The Syrian army itself consists of Islamist
groups and has now opened several prisons where members of the Islamic State were previously
guarded by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). We keep hearing how afraid people in Syria are of
these developments, especially groups such as the Kurds, Yazidis, Alawites, and Christians. But it is
not only in Syria that people are concerned. The Islamic State has also carried out many attacks in
Europe in recent years. “The Syrian Democratic Forces have also fought against ISIS for our
security,” emphasizes a participant in the rally in Frankfurt am Main.
Tomorrow, the caravan will make a stopover in Munich. A press conference will be held there at
1:00 p.m. at Kulturladen Westend, Ligsalzstraße 36. At this press conference, the caravan will once
again introduce itself to the public. Members of the press are cordially invited to attend.
Press contact:
Participants in the caravan from Frankfurt am Main: Zozan Kisa + 0157 332 08412
Spokesperson for the caravan: Gesa Jonasson +49 163 1439287
Press team for the Europe-wide caravan: +31 6130 48773
