A Letter to Iran

One of our trustees, Nima - who is a refugee from Iran - has written a letter to his home country about the attacks on freedom that are currently happening:⁠

⁠Iran, my dear homeland, I had no choice but to write to you during this time of revolt and perhaps time of change.⁠

I know you are not feeling well these days. I know that women and men are being slaughtered for the only crime of asking for freedom.⁠

But I wonder: where in this world is asking for freedom considered a crime?⁠

⁠I swear to my homeland, now watered with the blood and tears of your children, there has not been a single moment that I have not thought about you.⁠

Iran, your name brings me sadness, fury and guilt. Your name is a combination of emotions that hits me badly.⁠

It breaks me to read and watch how innocent people are tortured and murdered.⁠

I am furious about the fact that the dictator even cut off the internet to stop my people’s voices from being heard by the world.⁠

I feel guilty for not being there to fight for freedom by your side and against the government. I feel sad about being condemned to the position of spectatorship, with this government being the reason why I fled.⁠

However, I am proud of you more than ever. I am proud of you, Iran, and of seeing how the unveiled hairs of your daughters have created a beauty that united women and men, old and young, and all chant together: Women, Life and Freedom.⁠

I am proud of this powerful revolution because, for the first time, it is an uprising led by women and supported by men.⁠

Dear Iran, I have hope, I know the sun will rise after an endless night. I know you will be free from the cruel dictatorship that attempts to silence every scream, but I will come back to you. I will forever live in the land to which I belong.⁠