B’nai Brith responds to Baha’i call to put spotlight on Iran regime’s abuse

Tuesday, 13 May 2008

TORONTO – B’nai Brith Canada has responded to the call of Canada’s Baha’i community to spotlight the human-rights abusing regime of Iran, which has intensified persecution of its Baha’i citizens. For nearly three decades, the Iranian regime has engaged in a campaign of persecution against the Baha’i community, the largest religious minority in that country. According to documentary evidence from Baha’i members, Iran is reinvigorating its campaign of discrimination, this time specifically targeting Baha’i children.

An intensified campaign against the Baha’i in Iran was the focus of community forum last Wednesday at the downtown Baha’i Centre.

Roya Mostaghim with the Baha’i Centre in Toronto told the Jewish Tribune, “Even under the Shah I had to be cautious. I was told in school that I was such a good student, but it was a shame that I am a Baha’i. (Her grandparents were Jewish and she came to Canada at a young age.)

But since the Shah was overthrown by the Islamic revolution in 1979 – under Ayatollahs Khomeini and now Khamanei – the persecution of Baha’i followers has taken on a much more virulent, ominous tone. This persecution was detailed during the forum by Dr. Gerald Filson, director of external affairs for the Baha’i Community of Canada.

Rick Kardonne
JEWISH TRIBUNE

(We thank the British Prime Minister and B’nai Brith Canada, an organization of our Jew brethrens for standing behind us in difficult times. A characteristic which we have constantly seen since the emergence of Baha’i Faith. A FRIEND IN NEED IS A FRIEND INDEED.)