Neda was my sister
UPDATE: See now Neda’s Voice
This moving letter was sent out before Saturday by an Iranian woman, translated into English:
I will participate in the demonstrations tomorrow. Maybe they will turn violent. Maybe I will be one of the people who is going to get killed. I’m listening to all my favorite music. I even want to dance to a few songs. I always wanted to have very narrow eyebrows. Yes, maybe I will go to the salon before I go tomorrow! There are a few great movie scenes that I also have to see. I should drop by the library, too. It’s worth to read the poems of Forough and Shamloo again. All family pictures have to be reviewed, too. I have to call my friends as well to say goodbye. All I have are two bookshelves which I told my family who should receive them. I’m two units away from getting my bachelors degree but who cares about that. My mind is very chaotic. I wrote these random sentences for the next generation so they know we were not just emotional and under peer pressure. So they know that we did everything we could to create a better future for them. So they know that our ancestors surrendered to Arabs and Mongols but did not surrender to despotism. This note is dedicated to tomorrow’s children…
Tonight, she writes about Neda:
Yesterday I wrote a note, with the subject line “tomorrow is a great day perhaps tomorrow I’ll be killed.” I’m here to let you know I’m alive but my sister was killed…I’m here to tell you my sister died while in her father’s hands
I’m here to tell you my sister had big dreams…
I’m here to tell you my sister who died was a decent person… and like me yearned for a day when her hair would be swept by the wind… and like me read “Forough” [Forough Farrokhzad]… and longed to live free and equal… and she longed to hold her head up and announce, “I’m Iranian”… and she longed to one day fall in love to a man with a shaggy hair… and she longed for a daughter to braid her hair and sing lullaby by her crib…my sister died from not having life… my sister died as injustice has no end… my sister died since she loved life too much… and my sister died since she lovingly cared for people…
HT: Nico Pitney
UPDATE: Could you doubters and conspiracy theorists imagine that this letter was written in the metaphorical sense that Neda represents the Iranian woman, and therefore she is a sister to all? Quit sending me your hateful diatribes against these people. Medius Oriens always welcomes rational dialogue, but never irrationally provocative and hateful comments.
In my life I have never seen the brutality of oppression captured more clearly… This girl sacrificed before our eyes . The supreme leader has done exactly what he said he would do, and this is the sickening face of it. I am a citizen of the US. and I still don’t believe it is our place to interfere. (we have done far too much of that in the past) This is still an Iranian matter. But I see this girl Neda’s eyes… the fear, shock… I want to do something. I will say that although I am not there, and because of this, it would be hypocritical to say I understand completely. The time for peaceful protest has passed PLEASE AVENGE THIS GIRL.
Dustan – Atlanta GA
بهتان مگوي كه آفتاب را با ظلمت نبردي در ميان است
افتاب از حضور ظلمت ،دلتنگ نيست
با ظلمت در جنگ نيست
ظلمت را به نبرد آهنگ نيست
چندان كه آفتاب تيغ بركشد
او را مجال درنگ نيست
همين بس كه ياري اش مدهي
سواري اش مدهي
Make no mistake about what happeneded to this girl Neda she was murdered .
She was murdered in cold blood and this was sanctioned by the orders of the so called Gran Ayatollah of Iranian Regime that Iranians can not march in protest .
I did not know what a Basij was until I looked it up on Wiki . There are many videos of them looking and behaving exactly like a Nazi SS guads . What a repressive awful place Iran is . If you notived this ass Mahmoud Ahmadinejad left the country , he is a coward and a liar .
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basij
-Basiji raiding a neighborhood .
http://bit.ly/188yfS
While her voice has been silenced by a coward sniper, it has been heard by millions and will be heard forever. My heart is breaking but I pray for my brothers and sisters in Iran.
Dear Lost;
Tomorrow never dies!
You don’t know how pathetic I got when I was finished with your diary. We may die, but the cry we initiated today will find its fortunate end. Don’ be hopeless; do not cry, do not ever read your silent prayer; cause tomorrow is ours. Iran is not the only charted place of the earth that has discerned the cruelties and this is not their first time. Love you all patriot children of Iran.
It was not an accident that the misogynist basiji thug took aim at the heart of a beautiful young woman, and not her father who was standing right beside her.
She is my sister, she is your sister, she is the sister of every woman in the world who has ever been afraid to walk down a street alone, who has been afraid to leave an abusive husband, who has been afraid to let her spirit sing in words and deeds.
iran gvnt is not humankind for sure.
ندای عزیز
ــ راست نگفتند تا در چشمان ِ تو نظر بتوانند کرد…
به ستارهها نگاه کن:
هم اکنون شب با همهی ِ ستارهگاناش از راه در میرسد.
به ستارهها نگاه کن
چرا که در زمین پاکی نیست…»
و شب از راه در میرسد
بیستارهترین ِ شبها!
چرا که در زمین پاکی نیست.
زمین از خوبی و راستی بیبهره است
و آسمان ِ زمین
بیستارهترین ِ آسمانهاست!
To whom it may concern;
I’d like to quote a piece of poetry from Helen Keller which best sketches our recent Iran; (it’s necessary to mention that Milton wrote Milton’s paradise when he lost his eyes; Beethoven created his master piece when he was deaf)
They took away what should have been my eyes
(But I remembered Milton’s Paradise).
They took away what should have been my ears,
(Beethoven came and wiped away my tears).
They took away what should have been my tongue,
(But I had talked with God when I was young).
He would not let them take away my soul –
Possessing that, I still possess the whole
Do not lose hope; do not let the take away your souls; possessing that we possess Iran!!!
All people in US are feeling with you. You brave Iranian people . Death to Dictators in IRAN
بخواب ای خواهر نازم ندایم
که روح پاک تو کردد صدایم
ندا دادی تو ما را با صداقت
قسم بر آن نگاه بی گناهت
که رایت را بگیرم از سیاهی
که همره ما نگردیم با تباهی
که همواره به ظالم ما بتازیم
که دائم جاودان راهت بسازیم
بخواب ای خواهرم آرام آرام
بخواب ای نو شکفته ای دلارام
شهید راه پاکی ها تو بودی
مبارز با تباهی ها تو بودی
تو که هرگز نبودی خاک و خاشاک
چرا افتاده ای اینگونه در خاک؟
ندایم ای ندای سرزمینم
صدای جاودان سرزمینم
صدای تو شود داد دلیران
ندای تو شود فریاد ایران
I watched in horror and a tremendous sadness as this lovely girl was muredered just because she was walking/watching in the street of her own country. My condolences for her father and her entire family. I am witness to this horror and my prayers are with you as well as my support. God Bless the children and especially NEDA.
in protest, against oppression, against the supreme leader, all women should remove their vail!
Neda,
J’ai vu tes yeux et comment ils sont pris ta vie.
Tu m’as donné une raison supplementaire pour me battre avec tes assasins jusqu’ à la fin de ma vie pour combattre LES BASIJII ET LES ISLAMISTES COMME KHAMENEI, mais cela ne te rendra pas la vie.
From the eyes and heart of an American stranger, my tears flow freely for the people of Iran who stood silent vigil by candlelight on our day of sorrow, 9/11. Today, I hold a candle in my heart for you, lit with the bright flame of freedom that burns within. Stand tall and unafraid… BE Iran. The world awaits you, arms open.
I am an American and when I saw the clip of Neda with her father over her crying out, I cried with him thinking how can any goverment do this to there on people. So to all the Iranians who are standing up for your vote and fighting to be heard, God protect you and let your voice be heard. For the young lady Neda, her family and all others who have died and suffered for standing up for your rights please DO NOT STOP but go foward and avenge Neda and those who have died!
David Atlanta Georgia
I pray that you will see freedom. I also pray that the flacid leadership in this country will realize that this is the moment to stand with the people of Iran and end the theocracy that has enslaved you to tyranny and madness.
NO MORE STONINGS! NO MORE HANGINGS of innocent rape victims, NO MORE MULLAHS killing the innocent to protect their own evil deeds. NO MORE, NO MORE, NO MORE…
May the Lord bring you freedom,
If I were President, I’d ensure that it would end and end now.
People Of Iran we will not forget your struggle for freedom. Neda will not be forgotten. To A Free Iran.
We are many and we have a voice that will be heard!
We will avenge you and great people of Iran.
Footage is very distressing and moving. I pray for her family. We need to ensure that the truth gets out and is not surpresssed. An unblocked news feed can be found at http://www.iran-news.info
Neda is sister and daughter to all the world. Her blood is our family blood that was shed.
May she walk in the gardens of Paradise and may all Iranians and the world value her sacrifice and honor it with freedom for all men and women.
do not give up, please!!! note the world is with the protesters do not let her life go in vain u have to fight for freedom fight, fight, fight, fight, fight dont stop fighting, fight, fight, fight, fight we the free world is with you in iran who want freebom figth, figth, fight my frends fight
Ah, Neda, you’re all the proof we need that this movement is pure.
For anyone who doubts that this is a fight for humanity and reason
For anyone who doubts that life is not precious
For anyone who doubts the right of liberty and freedom
For anyone who doubts the worth of a just cause
Your answer lies in the bloodied bruised embattered street
Forever stained
~ with youthful Neda’s peaceful spirit
These scenes of horror bring up memories of the south when people were not allowed freedom because of the color of their skin. It stirs up the memory in me of when my father was almost lynched by a mob in sheets. We had casualities, but we overcame. The Iranian people will overcome also, and this young lady will never be forgotten. She is, for so many of us, the face of the revolution.
“Neda, don’t be afraid. Neda, don’t be afraid. Neda, stay with me. Neda stay with me!” – Her Father
(Her Father’s anguished cries echo into the Infinite… to become the Screams of ALL Free People, Everywhere!)
Ignore the conspiracy idiots.
We sane people do the same, and the more people ignore those idiots the better.
Focus on other good people instead, not the idiots.
Best of luck to you all.
It is hard to believe that yet again religion has become one of the greatest oppressors in the world. Yet again fascists kill innocents in the name of God or Allah claiming the moral and intellectual high ground when in reality they are petty minded bigots seeking to oppress the thinking masses by fear, because they have no arguments of worth to defeat the freedom of independent thought.
Iran with its people was once home to one of the greatest civilisations of man’s history, not perfect admittedly, but a cradle of art, architecture, music and mathematics, a source of intellect and philosophy which is now run by squalid cowards who prefer to destroy rather than innovate and fear and ignorance are their friends.
Sadly religion has become the crutch of the the ill educated, the armour they wear in preference to thinking for themselves but you cannot handcuff the internet, ideas move in the flicker of an eye and those who die defending their freedom often show courage way beyond their age and our understanding.
Our own lives are slowly being eroded in a slow inexorable assault on our freedoms and I wonder if eventually we will ever have the courage to fight back in the manner of these brave Iranians or do we like them have to lose everything first?
Being a Dad, I can Feel the Hurt in your lifes. But the thing, is so Deep and Hurtfull, that I cannot begin to feel, to express how you must hurt from seeing little Neda Dead. Just know that as I write this little note to that I truly mourn with you and your people.words cannot express what tears, only, can . Nedas spirit needs to bloom, in the hearts of all people. Nedas life and Heart, bring Real meaning to the cost, of True Freedom.
George Sands
We are seeing & hearing the samething world wide. This should no longer be fight for the new generation of Iran but a fight of the new generation of the *world*. I think it’s time the old men of this world step away, the world is not the same anymore, it has evolved with us. Standing as nations, both with & against each other is not & has never really worked, for them the world is a big place where everyone is out for themselves. For our generation the world is smaller, most of us are open to talking out difference’s. I firmly believe that this is our world, we should be allowed to shape it how we want. In 20 years it will be our childrens’ world & they must have the control of it. Those who make the decisions for all of us, shouldn’t be more than 20 years older than us. It’s not that we can’t learn anything from them, quite the opposite, but we can’t depend on them to choose for us. Our entire generation must stand up with those in Iran, we can no longer afford to pay for their out of date, closed minded views. I open my arms to the people in Iran strong enough to take a stand. May we all learn from your courage & the damage caused by holding onto old way.
I may never meet any of you but I love you.
I’m an American who has had the privelage of working with Persians in southern California
for many years. They’re some of the finest individuals I’ve ever worked with, and my
friendships with them are full of rich exchange and humor.
Seeing ‘Neda’ die like that on the streets…
What these monsters have done had made sure that the world is now paying full attention,
and what’s more important is that they have made the resolve of the Persian people
unbreakable.
I heard a Persian lady being interviewed, saying;
“When the Iranian people want something – we get it!”
I believe them.
With the support of the world, the Iranian people will rise up against their opresssors.
My heart goes out to the people suffering, and I hope that the conviction that Neda
purchased with her blood – will lead to positive action.
May her sacrifice be not in vain.
تصویر مرا چو دید در آیینه
شب ,خنجر خون کشید در آیینه
خون از در و دیوار تماشا جوشید
شد صورت من شهید در آیینه
خفاش نهاد گام در آیینه
زد خیمه قوای شام در آیینه
صد جلوه ی ناشکفته بر خاک افتاد
آه از شب قتل عام در آیینه
جوشید کف و گدازه در آیینه
پر شد جسد و جنازه در آیینه
دیگر خبری نیست بخواب ای دیده
از منظره های تازه در آیینه
nazanin /dokhtaram/
nedaye azizam/bar negahe akharat ashk rikhtam va ba madarat geristam/iy gole zibaye vatan aram begir ke ma enteghame khoonat ra khahim gereft /
marg bar hame zaleman zaman
It is disgusting to see what the leadership in Iran is doing to the people. They tried to steal an election and got caught red handed. They are trying to blame everyone else for what is clearly their responsability. It is simply amazing, the lengths these people seem to be willing to go to hold on to power. It is clear the Iranian people see what their government truely is. A dictatorship, in the classic sense, with a supreme leader who stages elections. I truely hope the people of Iran are at the cusp of throwing off the shakles of oppression. I hope they realize that you don’t need a religiously lead government in order to maintain religious soliderity.
It is sad that this girl was murdered. She is a victim of a brutal regime. Iranians protesting, simply want change, a better life, this girl was one of them. Her government calls them “terrorists” but what have they done to sow terror in anyone but the failed leadership? I think it’s clear, the true terrorists in this pivotal time in Iran are those who are leading the failed attempts to oppress the people.
AS I SAW THIS CRIME COMMITTED BY THE BRUTAL REGIME AND KHAMENIE HISELF, I CAN SAY ONE THING FOR SURE: THERE IS NO RETURN FOR THE MULLAHS IN IRAN: THEY WILL BE DESTROYED IN A VERY PAINFULL WAY FOR THEM. I AM DEEPLY SAD. I HAVE CRIED FOR MY SISTER. SHE DID THAT FOR MY FREEDOM. I WILL DO EVERYTHING -I MEAN EVERYTHING- TO SHOW MY GRATITUDES TO NEDA.
I wasn’t able to sleep last night with the images of this beautiful woman’s sacred death in my mind and heart all night. She was the last thing I thought of when I fell asleep and the first thing on my mind when I awoke this morning. I’m certain Neda will be with all of us who bore witness to this tragedy for the rest of our lives. The world grieves for those who loved her and for the people of Iran who are fighting for their dignity, human rights, and very lives. The whole world is watching and wishing for your triumphant reward of self-realization. I wholeheartedly agree with Sunrunner, whether metaphorical or biological, she is the sister to everyone who believes in dignity, equality, freedom, and for every woman who has been told no, you can’t reinforced with violence and oppression. My deepest sympathies to the people of Iran. Tammy, Los Angeles, CA
For ALL Iraniers…
Take back your beautifull country!
Don’t let Neda die for nothing!
30 years of mollahs & ayatollahs ruinated your country…
Neda is free now… now it’s all your turn to be free again!!!
In memory of Neda, the beloved martyr of freedom.
O’ freedom sun, Thrust in darkness,
Democracy will cure the wounds, Which emerge from your blood-stained soil.
O’ saddened nation, Fight your antagonists.
Take revenge for your martyrs, On the enemy of democracy and woman.
We shall bring through knowledge, Through blood and smoke
We shall bring the dawn of freedom, The morn of democracy.
Meena’s flag on the shoulders of women, Who will sing she is our pride
O’ People, arise.
Dear People of Iran,
You are not alone. Do not be dismay, but continue to be courages. We in the U.S. are praying for you. We use any means possible in order to get whatever bit of information we can regarding your status.
We have come to know that your are not fighting for the sake of politics but for Freedom and we stand NOT with the leaders of the world, but we stand with YOU the people. When you don’t know where to turn or run, just cry out to God for help, for He is there with you, even in the mist of this great this great turmoil.
Keep the Faith.
Dear Neda
Your brothers and sisters put your beautiful name on the street where you left them. They washed your blood away from the ground by a tank of water, but not even an ocean of water can ever wash it from their hearts. Khamenei and all his evil gang will pay for your blood. what you started will never end, we will keep your memory with us for ever.
Here in the Netherlands we hope and pray that you will gain your freedom. Keep courage. Your sister will be remebered!
NEDA, vous êtes l’ange de la liberté. Votre esprit prend l’aile chez nous toute. Dieu vous bénissent. Nous n’oublierons jamais.
Dear Iranians,
Hold your heads high as Neda wished to do. Hold your heads high and say “I am Iranian!”
Say it with one voice together! Never surrender! Anything is possible!
I wish as many others do around the world we could help.
But this is your moment. This IS your moment. Do not let it slip away!
We, the citizens of the World, are with you. One to One. Our sister died on the street and with her a small piece of us all lost life. You are brave and you are strong. You nare smart. Smarter than the arrogant thug police and government who wants to beat you down psychologically as well as physically. Know we stand with you. You are in our thoughts. We will help you, one to one, in any way we can. Peace be to all of you who are fighting a corageous fight for your freedom. Much love and prayers.
Iranian people, never ever give up!!.. you must fight. The whole world is watching, believe me. I am iranien myselfe living in Denmark. I look forward to visit my FREE country. I havent been there since i was 3yo… because of the Mullahs coming to iran 1979.. my parents fled.
MANY People here in Denmark are doing all they can to help you. Please dont give up.. Please. FIGHT FOR FREEDOM.. it will not come by itselfe……………
Marg barr dictatur. Marg barr Khameini.
Dear Neda;
we will take your revenge from DICTATORS,What you asked with your last glances ,I swear we will do it. we do not give up. You are alive for ever in our hearts and in our thoughts.
Marg bar dictator.Marg bar AHMADINEJAD. Marg bar KHAMENIEI. Marg bar BASIJI. Marg bar SEPAHI.
.
I am from the caribbean, and watchin those images make me feel so helpless. My heart goes out to the Iranian people.
I am saddened by this senseless death, but death sometimes comes to those who stand against tyranny. Even in the United Sates, where we pride ourselves on our elections and our democracy, sometimes votes are lost, stolen, and made up. We never stop trying to make every person’s voice be heard, and many of us believe that someday we will all stand together around the world to make sure that war is never right, that all people can have an education, and every voice is heard, or we will all die together.
……and Neda was MY sister, also
i’m an American teenager and, quite frankly, feeling very useless. i started a WordPress blog and a Twitter account so i could stay updated but also pass on information…it’s all i can do, wish i could do more. but thank you for posting this letter…it breaks my heart, but it needed to be seen by everyone….again, thank you
The World is with the Brave and Couragous people of Iran, who are fighting for there futures. Rest in Peace Neda, your people will miss you, as we all will in the rest of the world.
God Bless
I will do everything i can do to help you people. Please do not give up! I will try and putt as much pressure on my government (the Netherlands) to act against this regime.
You fight brave people! Fight like you’ve never fought before.
It’s unbelievable, I simply could not believe my eyes! Who can tolerate this? Who could order this? I must express my full and deep support to all Iranian people walking their march for freedom and tolerance against totalitarian regime who supports violence on it’s own citizens. I wish you all strength and firm will to lead this velvet twitter revolution to it’s winning end! Because openness, good will, freedom and friendship are universal values, no matter where you live. GOOD LUCK, YOU DESERVE IT!
Iran has found their martyr in Neda Soltani. After the dust settles and order is restored, I expect to see the new Green Government commission a memorial for those who gave their lives to be heard in Iran. Call it tokenism, but if any world leader is engaged in a visit by the current regime, they should have to acknowledge Neda to their eternal shame. Thanks to the Internet, Neda’s name will not be allowed to be obscurred by the Regime so easily as they would wish it to be.
A Divine Calling
A young and innocent woman was escorted by her Father to witness history.
They were to support Iranian freedom in the making.
Her name was Neda, and she became history.
Standing close to her protector, her heart was lifted when she witnessed so many
brave men and women taking risk for her future.
Neda’s living support of these courageous people ended. A coward took her life.
This beloved daughter died in the arms of her grieving father.
As a father, mother, and angels wept, Neda began to lead the courageous columns forward.
With this young woman carried and calling in their hearts, the Iranian people began their
march to true Democracy.
It is perhaps more fitting that innocents shall lead us.
It is also very correct to announce that Neda is my Sister
The wish to be free is is ever present in the breast of each human being. All dictatorships must struggle with this certain knowledge. People will always rebel against repression. Every dictatorship knows it is only a matter of when and how.
Neda was my sister too.
All I can say is that we in Canada are wishing all of the Iranian people all the peace and freedom you have so desperately sought for so long.
What happened to this young woman, Neda, is disgusting and is against ALL religious teachings in ALL of the major religions in the world. Regardless of what your beliefs, we can all agree to the Universal Truth that violence and killing in any name is Wrong!
It is heart-wrenching to watch the video with her father witnessing such an event. This is unforgivable. What kind of leaders do this? We are with you in Canada! You can do it! Dont’ Give Up! Don’t ever give up! The world IS watching and this cannot stand!
we have only one world to live in…let no others take our freedom…fighting for what is right is the only way we can make a better world…just one small step can make a big difference…what Neda has started and all of her colleagues, is just one major step for change.
The people of Pakistan are with you !
I met this home girl named Neda,
Young chic about my own age…
She seemed like she was in a rush,
running frantic, looking each and every which way
I had to ask if she was late for an appointment,
or maybe she was seconds away from missing her train..
Maybe she had a test or an exam, or was just lost
but could hear her lover calling out her name…
Like I said I met this young girl named Neda,
and when I asked which way and where she was headed,
Freedom she yelled as she ran away.
- R.I.P Neda
I think it would be nice, if there’s an Italian translation. So I try do it with my best effort. I published it here: http://www.tecnicheblu.com/blog/verdecchia/?p=177
Nedai Aziz motmaen bash ke khone u dar rahe vatanet fada shod va ino behet ghol midam ke alaki khonet Rikhte nashod.
To khodeto fadai khaharan va baradaranet kardi va ahna nemizaran ke khonet paiemal beshe.
Azadi Azadi haghe mosalame Mast,
Anra be ma bargardanid.
Beomide roze ke hamei mardome Irani be khanehashon be khakeshon, be vataneshon beran va anjara Abad konan.
Yadat zende Khakat paidare Iran bashad.
Nariman
خدابا خودت جواب این نامردارو بده. به امید روزی که …
Hello, I am a writer for the Jerusalem Post looking for information from people on the ground in Iran. Please let me know if you have any news or updates — bellelujah @ gmail.com
Am Ugandan (east African) but watching blood streaming from Neda’s nose and mouth drained tears from my eyes,soul and sprite.watching a future generation with brilliant ambitions and dream saying good bye to the world full of oppression dieing in the arms of a parent is a another worst experience, imagine it was your daughter dieing for a parent’s and country’s freedom? a lot has to be said
she died trying to be the change she wanted to see
Neda RIP
i I admire your courage
Great saddness – young girl killed for no reason. Monsters turned loose on their own citizens. Their own people. Criminal – their leaders are mafia thugs
One of the defining events in American history was, of course, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The Japanese thought that after such a blow Americans would negotiate peace. Rarely has anyone gotten their opposition so wrong. It had exactly the opposite effect. Isoroku Yamamoto understood this. What he said about the American people is very fitting applied to the Iranian people. I think of it when I see the death of Neda and the reaction of Iranians, Americans and the world to this oppression:
“I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve…”
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, your theocratic cronies and Basij bullies, let that be your epitaph.
Thank you for posting this and please, please make sure you keep sharing information through any medium necessary because once the light goes off on these matters, that’s when the regime wins by brutally cracking down on the freedom seekers.
Here’s the protest we held in Atlanta, GA in front of the CNN Center on Saturday June 20, 2009: http://bit.ly/hCJuF
Neda is my sister. Paolo
Revolution is not a mandate but a consequence.. revolution is not charm but reality.. and revolution is not just change but irreversible alteration of the status quo!
Dear Iranians (and not the Basij, Sepa, Guards or the clerics but the people who make of Iran, its presence, its existence, and history)… Neda is an ultimate example of the sacrifices that you have been paying for last several years – Neda is the symbol of freedom and realism blended together – and Neda is the strength of your heart that drives optimism, freedom, joy, and the liberty to live your life!!
So, VIVA Freedom – VIVA Democracy – VIVA Neda – VIVA Iran.
Dear Neda’s family; Dear Iranian citizens,
Let Neda’s life and its brutal end be an inspiration to keep her fight for freedom alive.
Do NOT stop your fight, peaceful at best, violent if necessary, let freedom ring from your minarets.
I am for turning the other cheek if possible, at great lenghts, but here, today in Iran, fight for your future, fight for your freedom!
The World is behind you-scream for help-we will come-we have to come.
FREEDOM!
God Bless,
Katarina, Swedish/American
How shallow to suggest that an appropriate protest against the Iranian government be the removal of the hijab. Such a call demonstrates the pitiably narrow focus of the Western world on how Muslim women dress, rather than how human beings are treated by dictators and pro-establishmentarian die-hards across the Muslim-majority world. Who cares whether people have access to education or health care, or whether they can afford to house, feed, and clothe themselves, as long as women can walk around with naked heads? This is yet another symptom of the West’s culture of death, which stubbornly ignores what is necessary to support life in a society while focusing on unimportant details.
I am a Western convert to Islam. I firmly believe that God has ordered me as a Muslim woman to cover my head; and I have absolutely no intention whatsoever to remove my hijab just to make some shallow-minded Western male happy or comfortable. This is *my* body, and I will cover it as *I* see fit.
To show my support for Mousavi, who would make reforms within the Islamic Republic and not dismantle it, I wear green, explain to ordinary folk around me what is happening in Iran, and disseminate information supporting Mousavi’s cause.
wael is the nice persion and you is start in my sky ***thank you
Neda was my sister too. I, just as tens of millions in Iran, am terribly saddened and grief-stricken by her untimely departure. Neda, you gave your life so that the rest of your sisters and brothers would cherish and fight for freedom. You didn’t have to but you courageously did. You will be a shining light for good and pure people everywhere. I mourn for you, dear sister. My heart is so heavy, my throat is lumped up and tears welled up in my eyes because of your loss. Neda, as you know your name means calling, a voice. You are the voice of Iran and indeed the calling voice of freedom in our heart. Rest in peace our dearest sister Neda.
I tear up watching that video.
Better to die on your feet then live forever like a slave on your knees.
God bless Iran
free speech and press freedom will be discussed at the asset protection study group with speaker stephen sears attorney and the irvine student committee.
صداي چهچه پرنده ها تو كوچه ها
لباس سبز جنگلا و عطر اين شكوفه ها
مي گن بهار اومد
نرو ندا
ندا بمون
با مردمت تو كوچه ها بخون
بگو كه زنده باد زندگي و مرده باد مرگ
بگو بتابه آفتاب و بره تگرگ
ندا بمون
ندا نگاه كن به شهر
داره مي لرزه پايه هاي قصر
بلندتر از هميشه ان چناراي ولي عصر
خيابونا پر از “خس” ه
براي بعضيا هوا پسه
ندا نترس
اينا كه مي شنوي گلوله نيستن، ترقه ان
بهانه ان براي شعله ور شدن، جرقه ان
ما آتيشيم
با باتوم و تفنگ
بيشتر
شعله ور مي شيم
ندا بمون
خبر آوردن از افق
مي گن سپيده سر زده
مي گن سحر به در زده
ندا! ندا!
نفس بكش
بلند شو
يه ضربدر رو اين قفس بكش
نرو ندا
صبر كن
نگا به پشت ابر كن
يه روزنه
خورشيد خانم مي خواد بياد
همون كه مثل تو “زن” ه
ندا نرو
ندا تو رو خدا نرو…
Mandana
I thank you for posting this. Like many Americans, I was unaware of exactly what is going on over there, until I saw the news reports on Neda and the protests. Her sister’s letters are inspiring and heart-breaking all at the same time. I can only immagine what it would be like to be killed so brutally over something you believe in so strongly. These girls were not extremeists, they are real people with real hopes and dreams for the future of their people. I know there must be more stories like Neda and her sister’s… they just need to be heard. My heart and thoughts go out to them. I hope that one day they will see the fruits of their sacrifices.
i was totally shocked when i saw the video clip. a young woman dying because she demonstrated for something natural: for freedom and democracy.
God bless you Neda.
So truthfully written!!
We are ALL sisters.. our hearts, love and prayers for your freedom and safety!
We stand together dear sister
blessings & peace
believe
From Puerto Rico I send out my prayers to Neda’s families, friends and especially to the people of Iran, those that want freedom. It was so sad to see such a young girl die like that. God called her name and she is resting now. May she live in our hearts forever and ever, Amen.
SILENCE, MY SISTER
For every secret sealed in flame,
Each grief engraved without a name,
I’ll summon tender truths from shame,
With tears my talisman.
I’ll shred the shroud of disbelief
And scatter ashes of relief,
Then weave these words into a wreath
No season can upbraid.
I’ll lift the earth into the sky
So fallen stars again will rise;
Your suffering is my battle cry–
You did not die alone.
~Roxanne Ivey
Atlanta, GA (USA)
I wish I could do something, I wish I could stand up for and with them, but I am half a world away, so all I can do is hope for their safety and victory. I am glad they are rebelling. They should. It is needed to bring back their victory. But the government’s violence is unforgivable. It must be terrible to be one of her family, and to have her death broadcast all over the world, and to be reminded of it so constantly and so painfully. I hope they come out of this alive and well.
This is very moving. Thank you for posting this. It makes us all aware of the tragedies and struggles in the world. It’s truly very sad.
This is, for me, difficult. All to often America, and Americans are seen as bully’s attempting to police the entire world. America and her peoples are far from perfect and we acknowledge that fact.
There are times though when things that rough men need to do. America normally steps up, and takes on the difficult problems. All to often, not in what in retrospect might be the best manner. We live, and we learn, as do all peoples. One thing though never changes. At least to most that call themselves Americans, or their breatheren. We will act. To know, is to act as my Iaido Sensai once instructed.
Now we have a new breed of “Americans” if you will. On the other side of the world. They are Persian by decent, but no less than anyone else in their thirst for Liberty and Freedom. What will be done with a President that coddles the oppressors? Probably nothing. Another failure by America. But then, in the quiet of the night a few might just show up, and exhibit what the people of the world hold dear… and fully expect of Americans, if not from the American government.
De Oppressor Liber!
Que cette mort ne soit pas “perdu”! Que tous les Iraniens, peuple érudit, raffiné, intelligent, cultivé, possédant une culture millénaire ne se laisse pas étouffer par une foi aveugle et puisse enfin reprendre son destin dans des limites démocratiques et laïques. Sachez que nous occidentaux sommes à vos côtés et que nous vous soutenons au mieux! Résistez à la folie de pouvoir d’un clan ou d’un parti tel qu’il soit! Vos votes comptent, pour nous ils comptent d’autant plus! Courage! Et si on peut aider….
Dear Neda, the bullet that pierced your heart, like a thread through rosary, connected all our hearts to yours! We will not forget!
Surely we can all feel the bonds of humanity that are beyond differences in religious belief on behalf of this poor girl and her suffering family.
Surely we can feel that every human has the right to freedom.
I don’t have enough green clothes to show my support every day, but I would like to look out for any of those $1 green bands. Has anyone started something like this? I think trillions of people around the world would be willing to wear a green band each day to show support and make a statement
So much brutality against their own people and their own country.
Neda, you are our light leading to freedom. So many people will remember you as an innocent victim. I feel with your parents and dear ones.
With all love, rest in peace
marg bar kamenei… in dolat mosalmon nist.. inha az heiwon ham badtar hastan.wali dasteshon pishe donya ro shode… nnneeedddaaa koda rahmatet konne to hamishe zendei…komeini koda lahnatet konne.. neda ma pshtetim bro besalamat…drd be rohet…
در پاسخ آنکه ملت ما را خس و خاشاک خواند
کرمی که فقط بر کف این خاک خزیدهست
البته که غیر از خس و خاشاک ندیدهست
ای نخل سرافراز جوان، کرمک مفلوک
بالاتر از این، فکر بلندش نرسیدهست
این ملت رزم است که برخاسته هشیار
وان دولت ظلم است که اینگونه خمیدهست
این نسل جوان وطنم هست و بنازم
درسی که گرفتهست و رهی را که گزیدهست
صندوق به دوشی که گذشت از سر بازار
دزدی است کزین حوزه به آن حوزه دویدهست
پیغمبر دزدان که نشسته پس پرده
این سرقت بیسابقه را نقشه کشیدهست
با سارق صندوق بگوئید که افسوس
این بار برای تو کسی رأی نریدهست!
Tu partida no sera en vano… el comienzo de una nueva IRAN comenzará… la democracia ganará… desde el cielo… uniras a todo el mundo para hacer un mundo mejor…
Quito, Ecuador
Please, join this cause on facebook, in order to keep the attention of the world high on what is happening in Iran. Thank you all