I want to commend Human Rights Activists and HRANA News Agency, for all of their efforts on behalf of activists and political prisoners in Iran under the rule of the Islamic Republic regime. Their work started when a few entities dared to publish and discuss openly the dire state of affairs.
Back in 2010, HRANA was among a few outlets that continuously covered the news of Iranian prisoners and the fate of those sent for execution. Their coverage of the execution of Farzad Kamangar and other Iranian Kurdish prisoners was indeed crucial in informing the world about the cruelty of the regime.
HRANA was also a major outlet for publishing news about the persecution of the non-Shia religious groups that I was following.
In late 2014, Human Rights Activists asked a friend to help with and participate in a daring project. Keyvan Rafiee and Jamal Hosseini decided to dedicate one issue of their monthly publication, Peace Mark, to Iranian Jews. They mentioned they had decided it was time to talk about this taboo subject and bring to light the issues that were important to the Jewish community of Iran. They were not afraid to delve deep into the issues and said I have their full support.
The Jewish community in Iran endured so much after the 1979 revolution that we had to approach the issue with the utmost caution. I am proud to have been able to get in touch with members of the community and gather historians, commentators and community activists to comment on most notable issues important to our community. There were articles about the effects of the Holocaust on Jewish prisoners, those who were executed, on the problems facing the community in Iran in terms of Islamic jurisprudence.
Working with the hard-working and tireless people at the publication, I noticed their creativity, professionalism and dedication in doing the necessary to advance the cause of understanding and unity among Iranian people.
They proved to me that they understood Iranian politics, its history and culture.
It was an honor working with them and others in the organization. Once the issue of Peace Mark was published, I was stunned to see that there was no mention of Mr. Hosseini and Mr. Rafiee anywhere. When I asked, they said it is not necessary to be seen, and it is only important that they present quality and accurate work. This big project made me admire this organization even more and consider myself a friend of HRA.
In 2015, I learned that Jamal Hosseini had died in Turkey. It was a heartbreaking and tragic event that left me in a shock. He was a selfless and prolific activist, and this sad tragedy was a tremendous loss for the human rights community.
I am grateful that HRA continues to publish about human rights
violations in Iran. It periodically publishes articles about religious persecution and political prisoners of various faiths, which is extremely helpful in navigating the issues inside Iran. Throughout the years, HRA has enriched our lives by daring to focus on the marginalized communities, including certain religious and ethnic groups of Iran, highlighting their issues, and making them feel significant when nobody else would. I wish the organization and its members success and hope they continue the great work they have done.
They have done all this with an empty hand, no support, thorough dedication and hard work. They are professional and selfless activists. History will judge them well. I thank them for what they do and what they have done.
