Arguing for the rights of 7 Baha'is

In 1994 I had the pleasure and honor of working at the Baha'i International Community as an intern for the Main Representative of this NGO to the United Nations. I will never forget that summer, as it was my first true exposure to fighting for human rights on behalf of Baha'is who were being systematically persecuted by the Government of Iran. As an intern, I learned how advocating on behalf of the Baha'is on the world stage is essential and necessary to improve the conditions of their rights, and moreover, create a platform to voice the injustices and continued violations of human rights by the Iranian Government. Unfortunately as yet, the violations have continued and now, recent events have placed this issue once again on the world stage.

7 Bahai's were arrested and imprisoned in Spring of 2008 due to incredulous unfounded allegations, including spying for Israel and propaganda against Islam etc. The trial is ongoing and the allegations are being bravely fought by the first Iranian awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, Shirin Abadi.

Being raised Muslim, I can tell you personally that it infuriates me that these allegations and actions could be made against these Baha'is, ranging in age from 35 to 75, with occupations including an educator, engineer, school principal, factory owner, social worker and optometrist. Anyone that knows any facts about the Baha'i Faith knows that it is a religion that has no tolerance for disunity, political scheming or any such crimes as described which they are clearly fabricating. Rather, it represents ideals and vision that necessitates mutual respect, obedience to government and acknowledgement that all religions, including Islam are part of one greater plan of one God and as a result are invaluable and necessary for continuing evolving progress of the human race. Furthermore, the organization of Baha'is are created to promote these ideas, support global community development and encourage everyone to see everyone else as part of one human family. Despite this however, there is a legal authority in Iran that sees these Baha'is and their organization as a threat.

The Baha'i International Community, the same NGO that I worked for 15 years ago, issued a letter to the Prosecutor of the Iranian court that articulates in eloquent detail, the reasons that these allegations are false. It provides an outline of the history of the violations of human rights against the Bahai's over the years and argues persuasively that the judiciary must take into consideration these facts and judge fairly. I have attached the link and urge you to read this.

If you want to help bring attention to these issues, please write your Congressman to support a bill currently on the House and Senate floor (Senate. Res. 71, House. Res. 175) condemning the Government of Iran for its continued state-support persecution of the Baha'i religious minority.

As a Baha'i and lawyer, I thank you for listening.

“It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope.” --Robert Kennedy

From winter to spring

As the snow melted over this weekend, and the weather went from chilly 17 degrees to a warm 60 practically overnight, I was reminded of a few fun things we did over the last few months, and how time flies right by from winter into spring.

1) Bella and Alec found a cocooned caterpillar and built a lovely stick-leaf-rock-grass house so when it emerges the Butterfly will be greeted with a welcome.

2) As a Baha'i, the celebration of Ayyam-i-Ha takes place prior to the 19 days of fasting (which is currently underway). For this year's holiday, apart from the fun presents that Pieter and I gave to Alec and Bella, I presented a lesson to Bella's 2nd grade classroom on what it means to be a Baha'i; and how we celebrate this time of year. It was fun and I was amazed at how many kids could really understand that the concept of unity of religion, and that there are always religious teachers over time. They each even read a few quotes from various writings of Buddha, Islam, Judaism, Christianity and Baha'i.

3) Thanks to a really nice work appreciation award, our family was invited to go to Puerto Rico for 4 days, and I saw the most beautiful sunset I have ever seen (see above). Since there were about 7 pools to choose from, we had our choices of slides, lazy rivers and swimming adventures. Isabella commented that after sliding down crazy long water slides, that it was the best day of her whole life. We also heard a bit more salsa music than we probably ever wanted, but it was a really nice experience (Alec's fevers and non-stop vomiting during 2 nights was the only bummer).

4) I went ice-skating on a home made ice rink that my husband rigged in our back patio. It was actually amazing fun. This was especially because Pieter, who can ice-skate circles around me (literally) held my hand and guided me as I slowly learned how to glide. Plus, Isabella is visibly a great potential figure skater in the making.

5) Determined to not give up my gardening skills all together--I am currently re-assessing my veggie garden skills and will attempt to plant leeks-broccolis-tomatoes, lettuce (the arugula kind) and onions despite my fears, hesitation and suspicion that the deer, bunnies and squirrel are waiting for me to plant their upcoming dinners.

6) I am currently in a book-study circle using the Ruhi Collaborative Book series. As part of the Baha'i outreach efforts, there is a great cycle of books where a few friends decide to engage on studying Baha'i writings together and learn how to apply spiritual principles to your daily life; whether as a student, mother, worker etc. One of the coolest things that happened over this past winter is that I was part of a group that completed Book 1 (Reflections of Life of the Spirit) with 2 of my good friends. We are now embarking on completing Book 4 (the Twin Manifestations) which describes in great story-telling ways how the Baha'i Faith began. There is nothing more intriguing or inspiring that seeing a friend unaware of certain ideas, discover practical answers to life's big questions. I am psyched and excited about this, and hope to reveal more later in the coming months.

In any event, I will post more soon, and will have some cool news to share about the SOUL PANCAKE!!!!