United and Closer than Ever
Thank you, Azi, for the International Iranian call that brought back hope and light to our Iranian diaspora. Our togetherness and sense of belonging were a great contradiction [to distress]. The call unified the Iranian RCers in Iran, Turkey, Europe, and the United States.
About thirty years ago, I began introducing RC in Iran and to Iranian immigrants and refugees wherever possible. The RCers in Iran haven’t had much of a chance to be with and tell their stories to other RCers. This call allowed us to feel and see ourselves as part of the RC Community—the Community I have tried to introduce to Iranian RCers with my translations and words.
The call was alive. It was hopeful, even at this time of the pandemic. It connected us all. It brought back a smile! N—’s delightful Farsi song brought back memories. We were excited to finally belong to the RC Community. I cried hard, as did many others. We left feeling united and closer than ever.
USA
Reprinted from the RC e-mail discussion list for leaders of South, Central, and West Asian-heritage people
(Present Time 201, October 2020)