Evening in Support of Iranian Baha'is in San Francisco

by Daniela

On Wednesday August 12, a large event was held in San Francisco’s Herbst Theatre in support of Iranian Baha’is. The focus of the event was to raise awareness about Baha’i persecutions in Iran, especially with regards to the seven Baha’i leaders currently awaiting trial in the Evin prison, and being under quite a serious threat of receiving the death penalty.

Only couple days ago, a new date of the trial was reported (August 18). This is the third date that was given over the course of the year, and there is no way of knowing whether it will be upheld. The prisoners have not had an access to their lawyer, who as a height of irony was also recently imprisoned himself.

As much as the reason for this event was tragic, the event itself was quite uplifting and encouraging, and planned on an unprecedented scale. It was hosted in the Herbst Theatre, a venue that seats 1,000 people. The theatre was packed to the point that some people had to stand. The fact that in this venue, The United Nations Charter of 1945 was signed, added to the special nature of the evening.

Several distinguished speakers participated: San Francisco Supervisor, and first Iranian American to be elected to public office, Ross Mirkarimi spoke passionately about the events in Iran, and the desire of the local politicians to support the freedom movement. Sepi Richardson, the Mayor of Brisbane, and the first Iranian American woman to be elected to public office spoke of her dream for democracy and freedom for Iran, the country so many of us hold so dear in our hearts.

In the photo: Sepi Richardson, Mayor of Brisbane

Dr. Abbas Milani, the director of the Stanford Iranian studies program gave a historical perspective on Baha’i persecutions, and highlighted Baha’i contributions to the Iranian society, including mentioning the fact that the architect of the Freedom Monument on the Azadi square is a Baha’i. Finally Dr. Farhad Sabetan, a representative of the Baha’i International Community at the United Nations spoke about the plight of the seven prisoners.

In the photo: Fares and Kaveh Hedayati

It was very encouraging and heartwarming to see these local dignitaries express their passion for human rights in Iran, and their support for the Baha’i prisoners. Other than encouragement, the evening brought some uplifting moments as it was imbued with arts, and included a small presentation by children, who read a letter that they wrote to the President Obama regarding Baha’i persecutions in Iran. The artistic presentations were quite diverse: classical Western and Persian music, spoken word, and a dramatic presentation “We are not spies.” Prayers in English, Spanish, Tongan, and Farsi languages were offered.

There is really no way of knowing whether the trial will happen on August 18th, and what the outcome may be. But it is my hope that we will soon see free Iran, where everyone can exercise the human rights we all are entitled to. Doctor Sabetan concluded his talk by reading the letter written to the Iranian Baha’is by the Universal House of Justice, the international elected governing body of the Baha’i community. I would like to do the same because of the inspiring nature of its words.

To the Bahá’ís of Iran

Dearly loved Friends,

With hearts grieved by events unfolding in Iran, we address this letter to you, the steadfast followers of Bahá’u’lláh in that land. To the concern for your safety that has long weighed on us is now added mounting fear for the safety of millions of Iranian men and women, so many of them at the pinnacle of their youth, their vast potentialities yearning to be realized. How rapidly have veils been rent asunder! Cruelty meted out in calculated measures to you and others over the years has been unleashed in the streets of Iran for all humanity to see. No matter what the turn of events, we are confident you will adhere firmly to the fundamental principle of our Faith that strictly prohibits any involvement in partisan political activity by individual Bahá’ís or by Bahá’í institutions. Yet you cannot remain aloof and insensitive to the suffering of your people. Decades of hardship have prepared each of you to stand as a beacon of strength in the circle of your family and friends, your neighbours and acquaintances, radiating hope and compassion to all those in need. Keep alive in your hearts the feeling of confidence that the future of Iran holds bright promise, the certitude that the light of knowledge will inevitably dispel the clouds of ignorance, the conviction that concern for justice will protect the nation from falling prey to calumny, and the belief that love will ultimately conquer hatred and enmity. You have demonstrated in the example of your lives that the proper response to oppression is neither to succumb in resignation nor to take on the characteristics of the oppressor. The victim of oppression can transcend it through an inner strength that shields the soul from bitterness and hatred and which sustains consistent, principled action. May the words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá resound: “Iran shall become a focal centre of divine splendours. Her darksome soil will become luminous and her land will shine resplendent.” You and your compatriots are in our continued prayers.

[signed: The Universal House of Justice] Dated June 23, 2009

More photos from the event can be seen on flickr: Evening in Support of Iranian Baha’is