We honor Ivana Hoffmann, a young Black communist fighter from Germany who sacrificed her life on March 7, 2015, at just 19 years old, defending Til Temir against ISIS in Rojava.
Ivana, known by her battle name Avaşin Tekoşin Güneş, was the daughter of a German mother and a Togolese father. From a young age, she distinguished herself through her commitment to fighting racism and sexism, joining the “Young Struggle” group. In 2014, driven by ideals of justice, in the ranks of the MLKP, she joined the struggle in Rojava.
She dedicated her life to the liberation of oppressed peoples and was the first “western” woman to fall while fighting in Rojava. She was known for her courage, humanity, and fighting spirit.
She was commemorated at her grave in the Meiderich district of Duisburg. The tribute was attended by nearly 100 people, including members of the Marxist-Leninist Communist Party (MLKP), the Communist Youth Organization (KGÖ), Ivana’s Friends Initiative, the Confederation of Workers from Turkey in Europe (ATİK), the Confederation of Workers from Turkey in Germany (AGİF), the Democratic Kurdish Community Center (DDKTM), and the German Communist.
Following a minute’s silence in honor of the revolutionary martyrs, speakers from MLKP and KGÖ recalled that Ivana Hoffmann served as a bridge of solidarity from Africa to Europe. The speakers said: “With every step we take in the footsteps of our martyrs, we advance in the struggle for revolution and freedom.”
A march was held after the speeches and ended at the AGİF association where a reading event took place. During the march, participants chanted slogans such as “From Duisburg to Rojava – Ivana Lives in Our Struggle!”, “Şehîd Namirin” (Martyrs Are Immortal), and “Kurdistan Will Be the Grave of Fascism.”
A representative of DDKTM said: “Avaşîn Tekoşîn Güneş (Ivana Hoffmann) was born on 1 September 1995, in Emmerich. Her mother was German, and her father was Togolese. She became politically active at the age of 14. In 2011, she first visited the AGİF association in Duisburg-Meiderich, where she was introduced to the ‘Young Struggle’ group.
She participated in actions for the freedom of political prisoners and, in 2012, supported the hunger strike organized for PKK prisoners. She later joined the KGÖ, the youth organization of MLKP. In the spring of 2014, Ivana traveled to Rojava. In a statement by the MLKP, it was said: ‘She was a seeker of freedom. Our comrade Avaşîn believed that the Rojava Revolution could serve as an example for the region and, for that reason, it had to survive. Defending the revolution meant defending the future.”
Ivana remains a symbol of hope and dedication, inspiring those who fight for a better world. On this occasion, we share her letter written before departing, a message that reflects her strength and passion for the revolution.
Last letter from Ivana Hoffmann dedicated to her comrades, before she went to Rojava.
Comrades, Party.
I can’t distinguish the most beautiful colors anymore, I dont feel the wind of the city on my skin anymore, the singing of the birds sounds more like a call for freedom. I have made a descision, days and nights I lived with these thoughts in my head and today is the day to make this step with all my will, which is strong just as the flow of the river Dîcle-Firat. I want to be a part of the Revolution in Rojava, I want to evolve, In this six months I want to get to know the fight, which unites all the opressed people and of course the Rojava Revolution, which I will defend with my life. I know what I am going for and how important this fight is. I know that there will be difficulties, I will notice, what capitalistic features I have in me but I will fight these.
I will experience what it feels like to have a weapon in my hand and to fight for the Rojava Revolution, against Imperialism. I will experience life in a different way, more intensive and organized. Maybe I will get to my limits and fall back but I will never give up fighting spirit and I will go on. Nothing holds me here. I cant’t look passively at how my sisters, brothers, friends, mothers, fathers, comarades are fighting for independence of Capitalism. I will represent the Internationalism of the Party and be a part of the armed and organized movement. When I will come back, I will infect my comarades, my surroundings with the fighting spirit and the willpower, I will be like the beautiful songs and pull everyone in my spell. I will be a guerilla full of charity and hope.
Yasasin Partimiz
Yasain Devrim
Yasain Sosyalizm
Your comrade Ivana Hoffmann