It's wonderful being back in NE Syria!
So glad to join the Yazidi Community for Red Wednesday. Happy New Year to my Yazidi Friends!
As you can see, the people of NE Syria built this government that over-represents religious minorities. It's multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and the Yazidi community plays a big role as government officials and as leaders of civil society. The Muslim Community and Christian community are here – an Imam even spoke - and they're all coming together and celebrating.
As negotiations to integrate NE Syria into the Syrian government continue, it's important that the civil institutions and the government they've set up here in NE Syria are included and protected. As you look around, you can see this is what all of Syria wants - equal citizenship for everybody - regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender.
I originally was planning to go to Raqqa today to meet with the co-chairs of the Democratic Autonomous Administration in North and East Syria, but I found out they were going to be here in the Jazira Canton instead, celebrating with the Yazidi community. This is what makes NE Syria different!