Representatives of international student associations convened in Ankara under the slogan “No Unity or No Freedom” to demand an end to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The event, organized by the Asma Köprü International Student Association and the Federation of International Student Associations (UDEF), brought together student leaders from around the globe.

The event took place in a local hotel and began with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Fudayl, a student from Benin. The gathering featured speakers from various international student organizations and concluded with a press statement condemning the atrocities in Gaza and calling for global solidarity.

Hanefi Sinan, President of the Asma Köprü International Student Association, emphasized the diversity and influence of Turkey’s international student community. He noted that Turkey hosts 350,000 international students from 203 countries, many of whom engage in social and cultural activities beyond their academic pursuits.

“On behalf of our student union officers from 40 different countries, we have come together to condemn the atrocities in Palestine and Gaza in particular,” Sinan said. He stressed the importance of collective action, declaring, “If there is no unity, there is no freedom. We call on all humanity to take action for justice and freedom in oppressed regions.”

A press statement was read by Burak Çıkıryel, Secretary General of the International Jerusalem Youth Assembly (UKGEM). The statement described Zionism as a global threat to peace and human dignity, accusing it of genocide, mass displacement, and the destruction of cities.

“We declare: ‘No Unity, No Freedom.’ True freedom is only possible through solidarity,” the statement read. “Regardless of religion, language, race, or ideology, all of humanity must stand against injustice. Today’s silence will lead to the loss of freedom tomorrow.”

The statement concluded with an urgent call to the international community to unite against Zionism, which was described as a threat not only to Muslims but to all of humanity.

The program highlighted the need for collective action to combat oppression and promote justice. By bringing together voices from diverse backgrounds, the event reinforced the message that unity is essential for achieving freedom and addressing the challenges faced by oppressed populations, including those in Gaza.

Organizers reiterated their commitment to advocating for human dignity and justice, urging individuals, organizations, and governments to join the fight against war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The full text of the press statement is as follows:

#NoUnityNoFreedom

The world is witnessing one of the greatest acts of oppression and genocide in history in real-time.

Zionism, which threatens not only Muslims but all of humanity, massacres tens of thousands of civilians indiscriminately, displaces millions, and destroys cities, leaving people without a place to live.

Through its policies in Gaza, Zionism is making the world a less secure place, where innocent lives are taken, and children's dreams are silenced by the sounds of weapons.

Zionism is not just a threat to one nation; it is a global threat that oppresses all the people of the world.

For this reason, on the 1st of Rajab in the Islamic calendar, with strength drawn from our beliefs and conscience, we declare: "No Unity, No Freedom." We call on all individuals, organizations, and states that stand for justice, peace, and human dignity to unite against Zionist oppression.

It must be remembered that true freedom is only possible through solidarity. Regardless of religion, language, race, or ideology, all of humanity must stand shoulder to shoulder against injustice. If we do not unite our voices today, we will face the danger of losing our freedom tomorrow.

For a world ruled by justice and peace, let us raise our voices together. We call on all of humanity to unite in defense of human dignity and to oppose Zionism for its war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Today, Zionism, which carries out genocide against Muslims, will apply the same atrocities to anyone who opposes it tomorrow.

Therefore, without delay, we remind the international community of the urgent need to unite against this ideology that threatens humanity as a whole.  (ILKHA)