Jean Wilkey

Iran Will Rise

by TARANOM

As a twenty-three-year-old Bahá’í woman in Iran, I dream a dream that has helped my people resist hardship for years, a dream that has roots in the vision of Bahá’u’lláh. In this dream, Bahá’ís and all Iranians live in peace and security. All people can exercise their right of freedom of speech without censorship by the government. Bahá’í children have access to good education and Bahá’í youth attend university without fear of imprisonment. Bahá’í cemeteries are secured, Bahá’í holy days are universally observed and Bahá’í marriages are officially recognized.

My dream for Iran is to have a healthy and strong economy, free from corruption, where people from all backgrounds have an equal chance to live their life to the fullest. Everyone has access to high-quality healthcare and education, not just the one percent. Instead of censoring different political viewpoints, I imagine a society that embraces them. Sadly, the Iranian people, no matter what their political views, gender, or place in society, have been facing injustice for far too long. These injustices include few opportunities for employment, a reality that makes Iranian youth feel there is not much hope for their future.

As Bahá’ís, we have faced hatred and injustice in our homeland for far too long. We’ve lost our jobs, had our property seized, and been viewed by the government as second-class citizens. We worry continually about being arrested without cause and we would not dare take the chance of expressing our real views or needs. People who question the government, even in the most subtle ways, can face imprisonment, even execution.

I have a dream for Iranians to unite as brothers and sisters, with equal rights for all. I dream of an Iran free from the social control exerted by a government that judges people based on their faith, their dress, or their ideas, an Iran in which no child faces discrimination because of their religion and all people are able to practice their beliefs without fear of repercussions. This free country I dream about is the Iran we all deserve – for ourselves and for future generations.

Even though the road will be long and hard, I believe that one day my dream will come true. I can sense that our struggle is not just worthless actions. With compassion and wisdom, I believe we can awaken this sleeping country — that Iran will rise! With dedication and unwavering belief in a shared vision of justice for all, I believe my dream will come true. And when it does, I will be so proud of my home, my beloved country.