Yalçın: “How Will Those Who Stay Silent on Gaza Bear This Burden?”

Participating in the “Rage March Against Zionism” organized by the Van Platform for Solidarity with Palestine, Memur-Sen President Ali Yalçın once again drew attention to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. Addressing world leaders who remain silent, Yalçın asked, “How will you bear the burden of this silence?”

Despite heavy rain and cold weather, thousands gathered in Van to protest Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza.

Condemning the Zionist regime and the global powers backing it, Yalçın emphasized the moral importance of standing with the oppressed:
“While bombs fall on children in Gaza, we are here, undeterred by the weather, to show our support. Some may question our presence here—but your stand in Van brings hope to the hearts of Palestinians and strengthens the resistance of the fighters on the ground.”

Yalçın also underlined the global nature of the resistance:
“From different countries, languages, and beliefs, people are standing up for the dignity of humanity and the Palestinian cause. Because we know—if people don't fill the squares, world leaders will never act.”

“Undermining Protests Means Applauding Israel”

Criticizing those who belittle such actions with comments like “What difference do protests make?”, Yalçın said:
“This perspective plays into Israel’s hands. Saying protests are useless is the same as applauding genocide. Our civilization commands us to act against evil—physically if we can, with our words if not, or at the very least, with our hearts. Even that, our faith tells us, is the weakest form of faith. We’re here to do our part.”

“How Will the World Answer for Gaza?”

Yalçın stressed the moral responsibility of leaders and called on the international community to act:
“We are here on behalf of the babies of Gaza, the fathers carrying their children in plastic bags, and the grieving mothers. This is a test of humanity. We will be held accountable not only for what we did, but for what we failed to do. It’s time to go beyond symbolic gestures. We call on Islamic countries’ leaders to take action—if they cannot send forces, at least open borders and create humanitarian corridors.”