Shengal (Sinjar)- Every year, saplings are planted in the four parts of Kurdistan on April 4, the birthday of Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan. The Economy Committee of the Yazidi Free Women's Movement (Kurdish: Tevgera Azadiya Jinên Êzîdî-TAJÊ) distributed saplings in Shengal and its villages to be planted on April 4.

“April 4 is the day of hope and victory for the Yazidi people,” said Êdûl Şemo, member of the Sinun Assembly. “The thoughts and philosophy of our leader make us hopeful for rescuing our people held captive by ISIS. Thanks to his thoughts and philosophy, the YPG/YPJ fighters have rescued Thousands of Yazidi women and girls from ISIS. We hope that all abducted people will be rescued so that we can celebrate our leader’s birthday together.”

 ‘We exist today thanks to him’

“Our leader’s birthday is a beautiful and bright day for us,” said Êdûl Şemo, adding,“We exist today thanks to him. I call on all Yazidis and women in four parts of Kurdistan to take to the streets on April 4 in order to demand the physical freedom of leader Apo (Abdullah Öcalan).”

 Berfê Heso, member of the Dohula Assembly, told NuJINHA that she would plant trees on April 4 with joy, saying, “I wish a happy birthday to our leader.” Tewrê Hesen, member of the Borek Assembly, wished a happy birthday to Abdullah Öcalan and said, “We will plant trees on April 4 to celebrate his birthday.”