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Volume 21 Issue 4 - Apr-Aug, 2011

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[Page 1]

Newsletter of the = Bahd International Community

April 2011-Aagast 2011 Volume 21, Issue &

Inside this issue

page 2,

The Bahdits of Egypt write an open letter to their fellow citizens

oo 4

The ethics behind the environmental crisis are discussed atthe

United Nations

ae O

In Istael, the historic Shrine of the Bab is unveiled after a two- year renovation

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In Toronto, top academics address Iran's persecution of Bahdis

ve 16

Matesialism ‘Mosaiand Social Consequences by Abdu'l-Missagh Ghadirian

jJONE COUNTRY

“The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens” — Baha‘u'llah

Iran cracks down on efforts to provide higher education for Baha’i youth

jor more than 3o years, the Iranian government has blocked young Bahl from obtaining a university education, Shortly after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Bahai students were banned from public and private collegesin Iran — and Bahdf faculty members were fired,

In response, the Iranian Bahéi community formed in 1987 the Baha Institute for Higher Education (RIHE), an informal university where classes were held mostly in people's homes, taught by unemployed Bahét professors on a volunteer basis.

For the most part, the government has turned a blind eye to this effort, although, authorities did try unsuccessfully in 1998 to close it down, The government, which ‘was entirely aware of BIHE, seemed content to allow Bahis atiny space in which to educate their youth.

In recent months, however, the authoritieshave undertaken a renewed suppres- sion ofthe BIHE, prompting international expressions of concern and offering new evidence of Iran’s seemingly endless disregard for hurnan rights of any sort.

‘The new clampdown began in May, when the government without warning raided more than 30 Bahdi homes where the Institute operated, arresting 14 Faculty and staff,

In June, the Ministry of Science, Resear ch, and Technology declared that the BIHE ‘was "illegal." Then, in July, 1 of BIHE detainees were accused of “conspiracy against national security" and "conspiracy against the Islamic Republic of Iran."

“Bahdis have been banned from higher education for three decades" said Diane Alai, the Bahét International Community’sr epresentative to the United Nationsin Geneva, in apressrelease in July, “And now, their own peaceful initiative — to meet

Crackdown, continued on pages2

In Brazil, campaigners join hands around almost 8,000 photographs of Iran‘s seven imprisoned Bah leaders at Rio's Copacabana Beach, 19 June 2011 [Page 2]PERS PE C T

Reflections on recent events in Egypt

IN BRIEF

There is no

shortage of self- interested forces aiming to prevent Egyptians from determining their own future, whether colonialism, religious orthodoxy, or consumerism

It is vital, therefore, that all Egyptians endeavor to achieve a broad consensus on the operating principles that can shape a new model for society

A mature society demonstrates one feature above all others: a recognition of the oneness of humanity

From that flow other essential principles, such

as the equality of women and men, universal education, and a balance between science and religion

What is needed

is a broadly

based national conversation, extending to the grassroots, on these points

2. | April 2011-August 2011

[Editor's Note: The following is an ab- breviated version of an open letter sent by the Bahai community of Egypt to their fellow citizens in April 2011. The full letter can be read at: http://www. bahai-egy pt.org/2011/04/open-letter-to-

people-of-egypt.html]

he events of recent months

have provided us, the Bahdis of

Egypt, with an opportunity we

have never experienced before: to communicate directly with you, our brothers and sisters. We rejoice that we are able to make a humble contri- bution to the conversation which has now begun about Egypt's future and to share some perspectives, drawn from our own experience and that of Bahdis throughout the world, as to the prerequisites for walking the path towards lasting material and spiritual prosperity.

Whatever directly motivated the rapid change that has occurred, the outcome demonstrates the collective desire of us all, the people of Egypt, to exercise greater control over our destiny. Our collective history, as Egyptians, Arabs, and Africans, has taught us that there is no shortage of self-interested forces in the world that would prevent us from determining our own future or, alternatively, would invite us to voluntarily abdicate this responsibility. Colonialism, religious orthodoxy, authoritarian rule, and outright tyranny have all played their part in the past. Today, the “gentler” force of consumerism and the erosion of morality which it fosters are equally capable of holding us back, under the pretense of making us more free.

A global phenomenon

‘The events that have taken place in Egypt can be seen as a response to forces that are, in fact, drawing the entire human race towards greater maturity and interdependence. The movement towards greater maturity is a global phenomenon.

What are the choices before us? Many models of collective living are on offer and being championed by various interested parties. Are we to move towards an individualistic, fragmented society, wherein all feel liberated to pursue their own interests, even at the expense of the common good? Will we be tempted by the lures of materialism and its beholden agent, consumerism? Will we opt for a system that feeds on religious fanaticism? Are we prepared to allow an elite to emerge that will be oblivious to our collective aspirations, and may even seek to manipulate our desire for change? Or, will the process of change be allowed to lose momen- tum, dissolve into factional squab- bling, and crumble under the weight of institutional inertia?

Too often, change brought about by popular protest eventually results in disappointment. This is not because the movement that provided the cata- lyst for change lacks unity—indeed, its ability to foster unity among disparate peoples and interests is the essential feature that ensured its success—but rather because the realization quickly dawns that it is far easier to find common cause against the status quo than it is to agree upon what should replace it. It is vital that we endeavor to achieve broad consensus on the operating principles that are to shape a new model for our society.

A mature society demonstrates one feature above all others: a rec- ognition of the oneness of humanity. [Page 3]How fortunate, then, that the most abiding memory of recent months is not of religious divisions or ethnic conflict, but of differences being put aside in favour of a common catise Our instinctive ability, as a people, to recognize the truth that we all belong to one human family served us well. Nevertheless, to develop institutions, agencies, and social structures that promote the oneness of humanity is an altogether greater challenge. Far from being an expression of vague and pious hope, this prindple informs the nature of those essential relationships that must bind all the states and nations as members of one human farnily. Its gen- esisliesin the recognition that we were all created out of the same substance bythe one Creator, and therefore, it

is indefensible for one person, tribe,

or nation to daim superiority over another.

‘The ramifications of this fundamen- tal truth are so profound that many other vital principles, essential for the future development of Ezypt, can be derived fromit, A prime example is the equality of men and women, Does anything retard progress in our country more efficiently than the persistent exclusion of women from full participation in the affairs of the nation? Redressing this balance will by itself bring about improveentin every aspect of Egyptian life: religious, cultural, social, economic, and politi- cal, Like the bird that cannot ly if one wing isweaker than the other, so hu- manity’s ability to scale the heights of real attainment are severely impeded so long aswomen are denied the op- portunities afforded to men.

Nowhere could the equality ofthe sexesmore helpfully be established ‘than in education, which existsto en- able men and women of every back- sgound to fulfill their innate potential to contribute to the progress of society. itis to succeed, itmust offer ad- equate preparation for participation in the economiclife of the nation, but so, too, it must possess a robust moral di- mension, Education cannot be allowed to be the means whereby disunity and hatred of others are instilled into inno- cent minds, With the right approach,

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Astreet scene in Gairo, the capital of Egypt where Bahd'ts recently addressed their fellow citizens, urging them to consult on the basis of prindple, riot passion, as they re-create their nation.

it can also become an effective instru- ment for protecting future generations from the insidious blight of corruption that so conspicuously afflicts present- day Egypt

Related to the topic of education is the interaction between science and religion, twin sources of insight thet humanity can drav upon asit seeks to achieve progress, We possess a proud history of fostering a spirit of rational and sdentific enquiry—with admirable resultsin the areas of farming and medicine, to name but twro—while re- taining a strongreligious tradition and respect for the values promulgated by the world’s great faiths, There is nothing in such values that should indine us to- ‘ward irrational thinking or fanaticism,

‘Our nation is blessed by an abun dance of youth, Conditions must be nurtured so that opportunities for meaningful employment multiply, talent isharnessed, and possibilities to progress ae accessed on the basis of merit, not privilege, Disen chantment will grow if, because of persistent corruption, inequality, and neglect, the efforts youth, make to improve the conditions of farni- lies, communities, and neighborhoods ae thwarted at every turn,

Each individual comesinto the world asa trust of the whole, and the collective resources of the human race should therefore be expended for the benefit ofall, not just a fraction, Neglect of this ideal has a particularly destabilizing influence on society, as extremes of wealth and poverty

exacerbate existing social tensions and provoke unrest,

Consultation: the challenge

‘The challenge before us, then, is to initiate a process of consultation about the principles that are to inform the reshaping of our society. This is a painstaking task, However, we can be confident that every sincere effort invested for this purpose will be richly rewarded by the release, from our own selves, of afresh measure of those con- structive ener gies on which our future depends. In such a broadly based na- tional conversation—engaging people at al levels, in villages and in cities, in neighborhoods and in the home, extending to the grassroots of sod- ety and drawing in every concerned citizen —it will be vital that the process not move too quickly to the pragmatic and the expedient, andnot be reduced to the deals and decisionsinvolved in the distribution of power among anew elite who would presume to become the arbiters of our future.

‘The ongoing and wide-scale in- volvement of the population in such a consultative process will go a long way towards persuading the citizenry that policy-makers have the creation of ajust society atheart, Given the opportunity to participate in such a process, we will be confirmed in our newly awakened consciousness that we have ownership of our own future and come to realize the collective power we already possess to transform ourselves,

— The Bahdis of Beypt

April 2011-August 2011 | 3, [Page 4](SUSTAVUSOUE DEVELOPGEMT

UN Commission discusses ethics behind the environmental crisis

IN BRIEF

= During the 2011 UN Commission on Sustainable Development, the importance of the moral and ethical dimensions of climate change were widely discussed

As its contribution,

the Baha’ International Community sponsored a panel discussion onthe issue, exploring how values ultimately transform and influence attitudes and behaviors

Panelists disaiss how to bring issues of ethics into the discourse on sustainable development at a side event during the 2011 UN Commission on Sustainable Development. Shown, left to right,

are Luis Flores Mimica, Consumers Intemational, Latin Ametican Office (Chile); Vidoria Thoresen of the Partnership for Education and Research about Responsible Living (Norway); Elona Hoover, Researcher, ESDinds Project, University of Brighton (UK): and Vanessa Timmer, co-founder and exeautive director of the One Earth Initiative (Can ada). Duncan Hanks ofthe Canadian Baha'l International Development Agency is at the podium:

4 | Apri 2011-August 2011

NITED NATIONS — Focusing solely on the mate- rial aspects of the environ- mental crisis, while ignoring

itsmoral and ethical dimensions,

vill not ensure humanity's long term

survival

‘That was among the perspec- tives under discussion at this year’s UN Commission on Sustainable Development, hdd 2-13 May 2011,

“We have passed beyond the global tipping point that we have been anticipating for decades” said Jeffrey Sachs, director of the Earth Institute and a special adviser to UN Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon, "We are now living on a planet of environmental turmoil."

Professor Sachs, addressing the Commission on 11 May, noted the re- cent increase in the number of floods, droughts, and food and water short ages around the world.

“Fundamentally, we have a global ethics crisis he said, because, “while ‘we need to find apath towards

sustainable development, we are scrambling instead for resources and advantage”

Ashok Khosla, a former director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), also highlighted the need to recognize the values un- derlying sustainable development,

“We have to go beyond the con- cept of the GDP (Gross Domestic Product),’ said Dr, Khosla, “Itmea- sures all the things that dont count in our real lives, Whatever it is we really care about — happiness and love — doesn't figure in the GDP atall”

“Making the Invisible ible”

A panel discussion — also held on 11 May and sponsored by the Baha International Community — sought to explore ways in which cultural, educational, and spiritual components can be brought into the sustainable development discourse

ONE COUNTRY [Page 5]Titled “Making the Invisible Visible: Values and the Transition

to Sustainable Con sumption and Production: the panel was moderated by Duncan Hanks of the Canadian Bahdf International Development Agency,

“There is no doubt ofthe impor- tance of understanding and getting the material consideration of this discus- sion right — to adequately address the policy considerations, legal frame- ‘works, financial mechanisms” said Mr. Hanks,

“However, to allow the discus: sion to focus mer dy on the material aspects. only cover spart of the story,

“We are hearing new discussions and language about the dynamic coherence between the material and value-based or spiritual dimensions of sustainable consumption and pro- duction, between the hardware and the software — the physical and the spiritual — and we are witnessing an increased willingness to explore not only the policy and technical ramifica- tions but the very values that ultimate Jy influence attitudes and transform behaviors” he said.

Five other panelists from four continents offered thoughts ab out waysthat the consideration of values can be brought into discussions about sustainable consumption and produc- tion, in order to motivate the changes in human behavior needed to sustain life on the planet,

“The values debate is at the heart of ‘what our future is going to look lke," said Vanessa Timmer, co-founder and executive director of the One Earth Initiative, a non-profitresearch and advocacy group based in Vancouver, RC, Canada,

She noted that values and behaviour are intimately connected, and that a discussion of values also frames the discussion — and the direction — of behavior,

Researchers, satd Ms, Timmer, have found thatif the argument is made for buying a hybrid car on the idea that it

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‘The Bahai International Community (BIC) delegation to the 19th UN Commission on Sustainable Development, held in New York from 2-13 May 2011. Back row, leftto right: Julia Berger, BIC; Taraneh Ashraf, BIC; Nadia O'Mara, Ireland; Duncan Hanks, Canada; Peter Adriane, USA; Daniella Hiche, Brazil Front row, left to right: Ineke Gijsbers, UK; May Akale, BIG; Kiara Worth, Papua New Guinea; Nur Shodjai, Canada; Vicoria Thoresen, Norway.

will save money — instead of also sav- ing the environment — the discussion is kept on material grounds,

“The ideais to use both — give numbers but embed them within a larger conversation about how this is going to help us move towards anew sense of community and affiliation with others." she said,

‘Victoria Thoresen of the Partner ship for Education and Research about Responsible Livingin Norway analyzed a series of specific values that have a bearing on sustainable development —induding detachment, moderation, ‘rust, justice, and hope.

‘The concept of jistice, she said, “providesus with the possibility to move from the self-centeredness that dominates our world to a way of being, amode of sharing, away of moving beyond our complicated, confused world where hope barely exists”

Also on the panel were: Lats Flores ‘Mimica, Consumers International, Latin American Office (Chile); Elona Hoover, Researcher, ESDinds Project: Developing Values-based indicators for Sustainable Development, University

of Brighton (UK); and Kiara Worth, Sustainable Development Specialist (Papua New Guinea). The meeting was co-sponsored by PERL, One Earth, and Consumers International

As another contribution to the discussion at this year’s Commission, the Bahai International Community called further attention to its 2010 statement, "Rethinking Prosperity: Forging Alternativesto a Culture of Consumerism.” See http. //news, bahai, oxgistory/770,

April 2011-August 2011 | 5 [Page 6](TaoeW Peers

In Israel, a restored Shrine is unveiled, dazzling visitors and pilgrims

IN BRIEF

After two years of

restoration, the historic Shrine of the Bab in Haifa has been unveiled, revealing 12,000 new, gilded tiles

= The strudure, with a foundation that dates to 1909, was also reinforced against earthquakes with anew concrete, steel, and carbon fiber retrofit

6 | Apri 2011-August 2011

AIBA, Israel — After more ‘than two years of extensive res- toration work, Haife’s golden- domed Bahat Shrine wasre-

cently unveiled to the delight of visitors,

pilgrims and residents of the city

Early on 12 April 20, the final set of covers was removed from the Shrine’s dome, revealing almost 12,000 new, gilded tiles, crowning the im- maculately restored building on Mount Carmel,

“Today the ‘Queen of Carmel; concealed from the gaze of the public for the larger part of the project is ‘unveiled and resplendent again...” announced the Universal House of Justice, after visiting the Shrine to offer prayers of thanksgiving

Haifés Mayor, Advocate Yona ‘Yahav, later joined civic dignitaries and guests at a celebr atory reception, held in the city’s historic German Templar

The Shrine of the Béb on Mount

Carmel, Haifa Israel, newly unveiled after more than two years of extensive restoration and conservation work. In 2008, the Shrine was inscribed — along with the Shrine of Bahd‘u'lldh near Acre — as a site of “outstanding universal value" on the UN's World Heritage lst.

colony with its spectacular view of the Shrine and its terraced gardens, “Lam the first Mayor of Haifa who was actually born here” said ‘Mg, Yahav, “In 1954, I witnessed the Shrine’s superstructure being built. To see these renovationsis very touching, ‘They are ofthe utmost importance” ‘The Shrine ofthe Bab and its gar- dens are renowned the world over for

their beauty and tranquillity. In 2008,

it was inscribed — along with the Shrine of Baha'u'llah near Acre — as

a site of "outstanding universal value" on the United Nation’ World Heritage

ONE COUNTRY [Page 7]ist, Last year alone some 760,000 tourists and 7500 Bahdt pilgrims and visitors were welcomed here

“The Shrine affects the whole set up of Haifa’ said Mayor Yahav, “Itisthe core and symbol of this tolerant and multi-cultural city”

Two years ahead of schedule

‘More than 50 years of exposure to Half dimate and environmental conditions had taken their toll on the superstructure’s stonework and dome when work began in 2008,

Saeid Samadi, project architect and manager, said experts estimated such a restoration would normally take five to six years, "We originally targeted April 2013 for its completion, It isa tribute to the total dedication and unity of every- one involved that the project has been completed in less than three years

“The team truly appreciated the importance of the place and never forgot where they were working” said ‘Mr, Samadi, "We were all inspired by the Bahéi principle that everything should be created to the highest state of perfection."

“The project required the restoration and conservation of the interior and esterior of the original 1909 structure, aswell asmeasuresto strengthen the Shrine against seismic forces, An entirely new retrofit design — oombin- ing concrete, steel and carbon fiber wrap tedinology — was needed for the whole building, from its foundation and original masonry to its octagon, drum and dome, More than 120 rock anchors were fixed into the mountain behind nevily fortified retaining walls

“Some 80,000man-hours were spent on significantly improving the Shrines resistance to earthquakes" satd ‘Mr, Samadi, “but itis all concealed from view and doesnot affect the beauty and grandeur of the original architecture at all”

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Volunteers were spadally chosen for the matigulous stone restoration work at the Shrine of the Bab. More than 50,000 man- hours were spent on the stonework by restoration office staff and volunteers, who came from many countries around the world

Restoring the stone and dome

‘More than 50,000 man-hours were spent on the stonework by the staff of the restoration office and volunteers — induding many young people — from. Australia, Canada, China, Ecuador, Germany, India, Kenya, Mongolia,

the Netherlands, New Zealand,

South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and ‘Vanuatu, all trained by expert conser- vators, Every square centimeter of the building's exterior was checked and restored,

“or the original superstructure, Carrara marble was wanted but it was not easy to come by after the Second World War" said Mr, Samadi, "The only stone available was Chiampo marble, When we were researching to see how it hasbeen restored in Europe, wwe discovered that — because of its nature — it has not been used any- where else for exterior cladding, just for flooring, There was no background knowledge on how to doit”

New techniques also had to be devel- oped to replace the Shrine’s golden tiles For two years, efforts were made to see if the badly eroded old tiles could be restored, "We checked the condition of every single tile but, as a result of their

exposure to the elements, many were broken beyond repair and the rest could not be restored back to their original beauty" said Mr, Samadi

After several years of research, a Portuguese firmn was contracted to pro- duce new tiles in more than 120 dif- ferent shapes and sizes, Leading-edge technology was employed to manu- facture each tile from pure porcelain, covered with layers of glazing and gold solution, and finished with ahighly durable final coating,

“The company had never done any- thing like this before," said Mr, Samadi, “They are renowned for museum-qual- ity porcelain artefacts. But the result is perfect, Not only are the tiles beautiful, they are five to six times more abra- sion-resistant than the originals”

Apri 20N-August 2011 | 7 [Page 8]Cewerorse Orvep sory] In India, iconic “lotus” temple is the

focus of a worldwide campaign

BAHAI HOUSE OF WORSHP. poker

ih we

&

Aposter ofthe Baha House of Worship in New Delhi depicted on the side of a bus in Ottawa, Canada, as part of the Indian government's global “Incredible India’ campaign.

IN BRIEF

= Coinciding with its 25th anniversary, the Baha'f House of Worship in New Delhi is featured on posters in 14 countries, from South Africa to Japan, the USA to Singapore.

= Itis part of an Indian government campaign to showcase the cultural diversity and special achievements of the country

8 | Apfl2011-August 2011

EW DELHI — Step onto a bus in Ottawa, Canada; open a magazine in Paris, France; or look upwards at Rimint’s rall-

‘way station in Italy — all around the

world, India’s Bahai House of Worship

is capturing the public’ attention.

‘To coindde with its asth anniver- sary year, the lotus-shaped temple is being depicted on striking posters in 14 countries from South Africa to Japan, from the USA to Singapore,

Itis all part of the Incredible India campaign, the Indian government's international effort to showcase the cultural diver sity and special achieve- ments of the country.

“India represents the spirituality of all mankind,” said the Honorable Union Minister for Tourism, Sub odh Kant Sahai, “and the Bahai temple is the one place where people belonging

to any faith or religion can go for meditation or prayer.”

‘The Bahai House of Worship in New Delhi opened in December 1086 after more than siz years of construc- tion, Itis estimated that 7o million people have visited the temple since its opening — averaging 8,000 to 10,000 every day — making it one of the world’smost visited buildings.

“Thisis a unique place to be vis- ited” said Sultan Ahmed, Minister of State for Tourism. “It has world-class architecture, serene surroundings and an elevating atmosphere.”

‘The temple is one of only seven. Bahai Houses of Worship in the world, open to all people for silent worship and contemplation.

This message of indusiveness is also a feature oftthe Incredible India campaign, said Nazene Rowhani,

ONE COUNTRY [Page 9]Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly ofthe Bahéis of India.

“Everybody who sees these posters will know that itis a temple, but more importantly, also what it stands for and symbalizes, These posters prodaim it to be the ‘Baha'i House of Worship — India’s symbol of communal hanmony! or ‘Indias symbol ofthe oneness of humankind; or of ‘unity of régions," said Ms. Rowhani.

A message of peace

Immediately following the Incredible India initiative, the image ofthe temple will also be appear-

ing as part of another campaign in Delhi itself. The Delhi Meri Jaan (My Beloved Delhi") initiative was launched last year

“We commemorate 25 years ofthe temple and 100 years ofthe existence ofthe modern Delhi that we have to- day, I's a great coincidence” explained Shelia Dikshit, Chief Minister of Delhi.

“This is a beautiful building. Ithas become an iconic symbol”

“The appeal of the temple is that it “encompasses everybody" the Chief Minister added,

“The Bahéii Faith is a very attractive faith, The message it givesto mankind

The Baha'l House of Worship in New Delhi, one of the most visited sites in India, is 25 years old this year.

1s one of peace, prosperity and happi- ness." she said

Around 4,000 visitors from more than 50 countries are expected to at- tend the asth anniversary celebrations at the House of Worship in November,

“as these poster campaigns clearly chow, the temple belongs to everybody

— every religion, creed and people," said Naznene Rowhani, “so tis natural that the celebration of its 2sth an- niversary will also be inclusive of everybody”

Below: Passengers arriving at New Delhi's international airport now encounter the image of the Baha’! House of Worship, “India's symbol of communal harmony,” as they await their baggage.

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April 2011-August 2011 | 9 [Page 10]

In Toronto, a high-level academic conference explores “othering” of Iranian Baha’is

Mohamad Tavakoli — a professor of history and Neat and Middle Eastern Civilizations — delivers the

opening address at the conference on

“intellectual Othering and the Baha‘ Question in Iran,” which commenced at the University of Toronto on Friday, 1 July, Seated on the panel are,

from left to right, Linda Northrup, University of Toronto; ahmad Karimi- Hakkak, University of Maryland; and Abbas Amanat Yale University

IN BRIEF

Top-level tranian

scholars from around the world gathered at the University of Toronto fora conference on the persecution of Iranian Baha‘ts

The event

examined how the ‘othering’ of Baha‘fs has become a mechanism to legitimize the state and create political- religious ideology

= Presentations ranged from early efforts to vilify Baha'ts as colonialist agents to modern propaganda that falsely charaderizes Baha'is as aultish

20 | April D11-August 2011

ORONTO — Iranian scholars, many from globally prominent univer sities, gathered in early July for an academic conference

on the persecution of Iran’s Bahéis,

‘Titled “Intellectual Othering and the Bahél Question in Iran." and held at the University of Toronto, the conference examined how Iranian authoritieshave sought to exclude Bahéis from social, political, cultural, and intelectual life by portraying them. as outsider sin their own land —a process known as “othering”

‘The event, held from 1-3 July 2011, was the first major academic confer- ence at a top-ranked university to fo- cous on the persecution of Iran’s Bahéis in any context,

“This conference is not a Baha studies conference," said its chief organizer, Mohamad Tavakoli,"Itis an effort to understand the tse of repres- sion in the history of modern Iran and how the ‘othering” of Bahéis has become amechanism of massmobi- zation for the legitimization of the state and for the creation of political- religiousideclogy"

Dr, Tavakoli — a well-known scholar on Iran and the Middle Bast at the University of Toronto — said the idea for the conference came from his own research into the degree to which, various Iranian groups had used anti- Bahl rhetoric and made a scapegoat of Bahéis to gain political power, both. in the past and the present,

Within this framework, the talks and papers were presented by scholars from diverse religious backgrounds, induding atheism, Bahd¥, Christianity, humanism, Islam and Judaism, The talksranged across a wide territory: from early efforts to vilify Bahéis by painting them as colonialist agents of the British and Russians, to the use ofmodern propaganda techniques that, for example, falsely characterize Iranian Bahsls as part of a cult that uses “brainwashing” tediniques to steal away ‘Muslim children,

(One presentation described how memoirs and oral histories by deries have been used to demonize Bahdis since the 1979 Revolution, These memoirs, said Shahram Kholdi —

PhD candidate from the University of

ONE COUNTRY [Page 11]‘Man chester in the United Kingdom —represent a large pool ofiterature, largely unexamined in the West, which hasbeen used to create a revisionist narrative of the founding of the Idamnic Republic aimed at the faithful,

Attacking Bahdis — often using in- direct language — is a frequent theme ofthese memoirs, said Mr. Kholdi “Bahdis are often portrayed as foreign. agents." he said, explaining that Bahais are described as part of an external force behind the oppressive measures ofthe Pahlavi regime, "So they use Bahéfs to legitimize their own revolu- tionary history”

Politidans also frequently used pogroms against Bah dis for politi- calreasons, said Homa Katouzian, a professor of Oriental Studies at Oxford University, who examined a 1924 incident where an anti-Bahat demon- stration led to the assassination of the American vice consul in Iran, Bahéis ‘were "a particularly soft target he said.

Historical parallels

Several speakers made comparisons between the oppression of Iranian Bahdfs under the Islamic Republic and other historical effortsto portray a particular religious or ethnic group as outsiders — something that has often led to wider pogroms or worse,

‘The father of Rhoda Howard- Hassmnann — a professor of interna- tional human rights at Wilfrid Laurier University in Canada — wasa Jewish refugee who fled Nazi Germany, Professor Howard-Hassmnann said the descriptions she heard at the confer- ence about abuses directed against Bahdis were all too familiar,

"The talk of the desecration of saves, the conspiracy theories, ..the accusation that they are a cult that

Farzaneh Milani, who teaches Persian literature and women’s studies atthe University of virginia, addresses the conference on “Intellectual Otheting andthe Bah4{ Question in Iran," held at the University of Toronto, 1-3 July 2011. Dr. Milani's presentation was part of a session on gender modernity.

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is stealing children — these are all characteristics of extreme retribution, ifnotpre-genocide, Thisisa political phenomenon, caused by ategime and its manipulation of political beliefs, tisnot something that simply exists among the people? she sai.

Inhis talk, Ahmad Karimi-Hakkak, aprofessor of Persian studies at the University of Maryland, examined the destruction of Baht holy places and properties in Iran, He recounted along list of Bahdt sites thathave been de- stroyed — from village Baha! centers in the late 19th century to the House of the Bab, one of the most sacred Bahét sitesin the world, which was razed by mobs incited by Muslim derics shortly after the Islamic Revolution,

Professor Karimi-Hakkak com- pared such demolitions to attacks on other major religious sites, such as the Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan, saying that their purpose was often to assert the power of the majority over the minority, and to place the minority in the category of the “other.”

‘When a Shiite believer destroys build- ings or graves, he said "they demonstrate that religious minorities rust obey them. and they have nopower to proted: their holy sites or their revered graves”

‘The relevance ofthe "Bahéi ques- tion’ to larger isstes of religious intol- erance and political repression world- wide was also explored, asparticipants considered what lessons can be learned

from the Bahd¥ experience, Several contributors said they believed that the Bahét case now

exemplifies the in ceasing oppression that isbeing felt by all Iranians, espe- ally since the crackdown that fol- lowed the 2009 presidential election. This has led many ordinary Iraniansto sympathize and identify with Bahéts, they said,

"Lthink the atrodties committed against the Bahdis are being intuitively registered” said Reza Afchart, a profes- sor of history at Pace University in New York, "Thishasled to a growing recogni- tion that human rights do matter and that their violation sare by-products of the country’s authoritarian rule and in- tolerance culture, mediated by the Shiite mullahs’ direct intrusions into therealms of national palitics"

Ramin Jahanbegloo — a professor of Political Science at the University of Toronto, who himself spent four months in prison in the Islamic Republic of Iran — spoke about the importance of induding a discussion of the Bahé{ question in any future effort at national reconciliation,

Noted Iranian human rights lawyer Abdol-Karim Lahidii spoke about the need for greater respect for hurnan rightsin Iran — and the need to grant Rahs full rights of citizen ship.

“Freedom of conscience, freedom of belief, freedom of religion — and not to believe in any religion —hasto be recognized," he said, "If ther people's rights are violated, youhave to defend thern too. Thisis the struggle of every single one of us"

[Page 12]

H UM AN or

Iran cracks down on efforts to provide higher education for Bahai youth

IN BRIEF

" Iran has stepped

up its crackdown on efforts by the Bahai community to educate its young people

In May, authorities raided numerous homes where volunteer faculty and staff provide young Baha'is

with an informal university education, arresting many of them and then declaring their effort illegal

The Baha’i International Community

has issued an open letter to

the Minister of Education, asking: “Why is the government so ruthless in the face of the earnestness of Baha'i youth

to obtain higher education?”

Around the world, governments, academicians

and others have condemned Iran's actions

12 | April 2011-August 2011

Crackdown, continued from page one

a need created by the government's own actions — is branded a conspiracy against the state”

Government action against the BIHE continued through July and August. In all, around 80 Bahdis involved in the Institute's activities have been detained and interrogated. Those questioned included not only faculty and staff but also students of the Institute.

In August, the Bahai International Community appealed directly to the Iranian government, issuing an open letter to Kamran Daneshjoo, the Minister of Science, Research, and Technology.

‘That five-page letter recounted the long history of government oppres- sion aimed at young Bahdiis seeking a university education. At its heart, the letter asked this question:

“Why is the government so ruthless in the face of the earnestness of Bahdi youth to obtain higher education?”

‘The letter noted that the govern- ment has made it official policy since 1991 to “block” the “progress and development” of the entire Bahdi community — including by expelling young Bahdis from universities should they manage to enroll — something that has happened to hundreds of Bahdis over the years.

It also described efforts in the lat- ter part of the last decade to prevent Bahdis from enrolling through a series of deceptive tactics that offered Bahdis a chance to take the national university entrance examination, only to later list their results as “incomplete,” thus preventing enrollment.

“And now a fresh measure of tribulation has befallen the Bahdis, as they are subjected to harsh treatment in interrogations about their involve- ment with their informal efforts for the

education of youth,” said the letter to Minister Daneshjoo.

“Individuals who assist with the educational program are threatened with imprisonment. Parents who host classes are notified that their homes will be expropriated if the classes continue. And students are warned against attending their classes and are instructed that they will never obtain a higher education so long as they do not abandon their faith and declare themselves to be Muslims.

— Baha'i International Community

“Yet, when the representatives of your government are confronted with these facts in the international arena, they continue to maintain that no one is deprived of education in Iran on account of his or her religion. How regrettable that the representatives of the Islamic Republic repeatedly peddle such obvious falsehoods, fur- ther undermining your government's credibility.

“When will the officials in Iran bring to an end the entrenched practice of saying one thing to Bah@is while offering a range of conflicting [Page 13]reassurances on the global stage? said the letter,

International reaction

And, indeed, the reaction on the "global stage" has been rapid. Numerous governments and non- governmental organizations have issued expressions of concern since the renewed cradedowm on BIHE in an outcry that has spanned the world, from Australia to Zambia,

In the United States, on 24 May, Senator Mark Kirk issued a strong condemnation of the BIHE arrests, calling for immediate action, "The Iranian dictators should not be allowed to trample their citizens’ basichurman rights, [pledge to redouble our efforts in the Senate on behalf of the Iranian Bahl community and all citizens of Tran who yearn for human rights, free- dom and democracy”

In Austria, on 1 June, Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister ‘Michael Spindelegger described the restriction of access to education for young Bahéis as "unacceptable."

In Brazil, on 2 June, Congressman Luiz Couto, former president of Brazil's Human Rights and Minorities Commission, told the Brazilian National Congress, "The action of the authorities towards individuals asso ct- ated with the BIHE demonstrate the lear intention of Iranian government to carry out their policy of the elimnina- tion of the Baht community.”

In Germany, on 9 June, Christoph Strasser, Member of Parliament and spokesperson on human rights of the Sodal Democrats, addressed aletter of protest to the Iranian ambassador to Germany. "All humans have the right to education," wrote Mr. Strasser, "With Bahéts being prohibited from study- ing at universities, your government is ‘injuring fundamental human rights”

In the United Kingdom, professors from Oxford, Cambridge and other leading universities in England wrote an open letter on 11 June, calling for academics, students and politicians to support the right of Bahdtsto ac- cesshigher education in Iran, "The

umconecountyong

Seven Bahd'l edu cators who are being held in prison in connection with their involvement in an inform al community program to provide higher education for young Bah dis. They are (top row, left to right): Mahmoud Badavam, Ramin Zibsie, Riaz Sobhani, Farhad Sedghis (bottom row, left to right) Noushin Khadem, Kamran Mortezaie, and Vahid Mahmoudi

authorities must be taught that hurnan rights are univer sal," they wrote to The Guardian newspaper, "Barring Bahais from university exposes the govern- ment's ovm ignorance."

In Chile, om 15 Jue, the Senate unanimously asked President Sebastian Pinera to "strongly con- demn” Iran for its ‘rigorous and systematic persecution of Bahéis” The resolution specifically objected to the “unjust detention" of BIHE faculty and staff

In Canada, on 21 June, Senator ‘Mobina Jaffer — the first Muslim ‘wornan appointed to Canada’s upper house — informed the Senate that the attacks are “not only on the students and the faculty of the Bahéf education institute, but on the cherished idea that education fs the birthright of all.”

In Australia, on 28 June, Universities Australia — represent- ing all a9 of the country’s universities —Taised the issue with the Director- General of UNESCO, “Australian ‘universities are united in their strong support for Facilitating access to educa- tion for all, irrespective of religious faith," the organization wrote.

In India, some 8o prominent citi- zens signed apetition to the Iranian Government calling for the immedi- ate and unconditional release of the

prisoners, "The consequences of this policy of disallowing the Bahét youth tohave accessto higher education will be detrimental not only for the Bahéi community of Iran, but also for the nation as a whole," they wrote.

And in Zambia, students at the University of Zambia in June launched a two-week long postcard campaign “in support of BIHE and the right to education.” The postcard depicted ‘Zambian students on one side and, on the other, a message for Iran's minister of science, research and technology stating "Bahéis should be able to enter universities as faculty and staff and as students who can get a degree.”

For updates on the situation of Bahdis in Iran, go to https/tnews, bahai.org

Apri 2011-August 2011 | 13 [Page 14]Caer a

Four new staff members at Baha’ International Community's United Nations Office

EW YORK — Four people have joined the United Nations Office ofthe Baha International Community in recent months,

Ming Hwee Chong

‘Ming Hwee Chong joined the of- fice as a representative to the United Nationsin May 20m, Previoudly,

he worked at several companies in Singapore specializing in mobile communications technologies, He also served on the national governing council of the Bahéis of Singapore, and was the community's director of Diplomatic Affairs,

Born in Singapore, Mr, Chong, 32,holdsa Bachelors degree in Computing from the National University of Singapore, While at NUS, he also completed an 18-month overseas entrepreneurial internship program with Stanford University,

‘Mr, Chong has also served as a facilitator for inter-faith inter-ethnic dialogues in Singapore and undertook service projectsin Cambodia and ‘Timor Leste

14 | Apri 2011 August 2011

May Akale

‘May Akale joined the United Nations Office in February 2011 as an Alternate Representative, working mainly in the areas of social devel- opment, sustainable development, and the equality of women and men. Prior to this, Ms, Akale served as a consultant to the Office. In 2010, Ms, Akale was a Fallow at the Women’s Environment and Development Organization (WEDO) and followed

issues related to gender, climate change, and governance.

Her experience asan independent consultant has included developing strategies for community-based initia- tives in Liberia and the United States, In the United States she also co-found- ed an NGO to addressthe concerns of immigrant and refugee women from. Liberia and Sierra Leone

‘Ms, Akale, 33, grew up in Cameroon and holds a Masters degree in International Relations from Webster University anda Bachelors degree in Management from ‘Minnesota State Univer sity

Daniel Perell

Daniel Perell, 29, joined the Bahai International Community's New York Office as an Alternate Representative in Febrary 2011, His work focuses primarily, though not exclusively, on human rights,

Born in the United States, Mr. Perell holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law and a Master of Artsin Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School at ‘Tuts Univer sity,

Prior to joining the Office, Mr Perell worked with the International

Service for Human Rights in Geneva, monitoring and reporting on human rights treaty bo dies and the Hurman

Rights Coundil, He also worked with

the United Nations on ex-combatant reintegration and medium-term governmental planning in Aceh, Indonesia,

‘Most recently, Mr, Perell conducted field research in Cairo on the situation of the Bahéisin Egypt,

ONE COUNTRY [Page 15]Simin Fahandejsadi

Simin Fahan dejsadi joined the Baha International Community's Office in Geneva in January 2011 as a Human Rights Officer,

Born in Iran, Ms, Fahandejsadi, 25, ‘was educated in Canada, She holds @ combined honors degree in Journalism and Political Science from the University of King’s College in Halifax, Nova Scotia, During and after college, she worked as ajournalist at several broadcast news outlets, induding as an. intern at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation,

Her work for the Geneva of- fice will focus primarily on human

rights, although Ms, Fahandejsadi has also served asa Bahét International Community delegate to the Commission on the Status of Women, the Commission on Sustainable Development and the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, She

also served aseditor-in-chief on the International Youth Coundl’snewslet- ter in connection with the 7th Annual ‘Youth Assembly at the United Nations,

umconecountyong

Review: Materialism

Materialism, continued from pagesé

University in Montreal and has pub- lished over 130 peer-reviewed articles

Dr, Ghaderian isalso amember ofthe Bahd¥ community of Canada — and one of his primary interests is the intersection of spirituality and medicine,

In Materialism, his analysis draws extensively on ideas and quotations from the world’s holy scriptures, which, all teach of humanity's dual nature. “The purpose of religion and divine education is to enable spiritual quali- tiesto dominate the material or lower qualities” he writes

He suggests, moreover, that the teachings of the Bahét Faith today of- fer a distinctive antidote to the scourge of excessive materialism, appropriate for the modern mind, on a global level,

“Materialism in moral terms" he vites, "can have destructive conse- quences and may permeate society as aform of social dysfunction, Itis an acquired condition and state of mind which develops as aresult of a num- ber of factors, including materialistic education, parental attitudes, and socio-cultural influences, To remedy this condition, a reconstruction of society’smindset and attitude toward the accumulation of wealth and sreedy attachmentto itis needed, through a consciousness of and belief in intrinsic moral values and the spiritual reality of existence which transcend dependence on material wealth as a lifestyle.

“The Bahai Faith defines economy in a broad context, relating itto the spiritual reality of human beings” he writes, "When we look at human society as a collection of souls in a global community, with equal rights to betterment and progress, we become more conscious of the needs of others, ‘Through this perception we real- ize that the interests of society must transcend the pursuit of individual self-interest"

ONE COUNTRY

ONE COUNTRY is published quarterly by the Ofice of Public Information of

the Bah! International Community,

an international non-governmental organization which encompasses and represents the worldwide membership of the Bah Feith,

For more information on the stories in this newsletter, or any aspect ofthe Baha’ International Community and ts work, please contact

ONE COUNTRY Bah International Community — Suite 120

£66 United Nations Plena

New York, NewYork 10017

USA,

Email onemuntry@bicorg hitpsfrwnconecounty.org

Ffitor: Brad Pokorny

Asso date Editors: Rob Weinberg (Haifa) Sophie Menard (Pars) Kong Siew Huat (Macau) Ralf Wolf (Germany)

Ecitorial Assistants: Veronica Shofistal, Kendra Boothe

Design: Tom Mann

All material is cnpyrighted by the Baha’ International Community and subject tvall applicable inteational copyright Faw Stories from this newsletter may be republished by any organization provided thatthey are attributed 2s follows: "Reprinted from ONE COUNTRY, the newsletter ofthe Bahai International Communi”

Printed using soy-based inks on paper from sustainable forests

Apri'201-August 201 | a5 [Page 16]

A moral philosophy with devastating results

Materialism: Moral and Soda Consequences

By Abdul-Missagh Ghadirian George Ron ald Publishers Oxford

IN BRIEF

= A McGill University psychiatrist, Dr. Abdu'l-Missagh Ghadirian traces how the philosophy of materialism has infected our global culture

+ By disregarding humanity's spiritual nature, materialism is shown to underlie numerous problems, from environmental degradation to poverty and human trafficking

= Drawing on religious scripture Dr. Ghadirian, offers a road map away from materialism and its excesses

26 | April 2011-August 2011

tisa question many people in af- fluent countries have increasingly come to ask: why hasnot the steady rise of material wealth and com- fort been accompanied by a similar increase in happiness and well-being? In fact, happiness has often declined in the face of wealth,

‘The divergent phenomenon has been documented in numerous stud- ies, notes Abdu'l-Missagh Ghadirian in hisnew book, Materiaiism: Moral and Social Consequences, One researcher, he writes, found that the number of Americans who reported themselves, “very happy" declined between 1957 and 1998 despite a doubling of income,

“This negative relationship between wealth and well-being isrephicated in studies covering diverse cultures — in Australia, Germany, Norway, Romania, Russia, South Korea and the United Kingdom," writes Dr, Ghadirian,

‘The explanation, says Dr.

Ghadirian, lies in the false assump- tions about the nature of reality, promulgated by what has become the prevailing philosophy and a “univer- sal behavior pattern” in the modern world: materialism,

“Materialism is an expression given to a group of doctrines about the nature of the world in which matter is given aprimary position while the mind (or spirit) is accorded a second- ary or dependent reality or no consid- eration at all" writes Dr, Ghadirian,

‘This reductionist idea today per- vades almost nearly every school of science, which holds it as the path to progress and well-being, It has, more- over, been given popular expression by our consumer culture, in which “mnaterial desires are overrated and excessively glamorized.”

Dr, Ghadirian believes, however, that materialism is actually the thread

TTT

MORAL AND SOCIAL CONSEQUEN

that today connects awide range of problems, from environmental deg- Tadation to global extremes of wealth

and poverty; from substance abuse to human trafficking,

‘The problem, he writes, is that ma terialistn ignores the two-fold aspect of human nature: that we have both a body and amind (or spirit). “The human mind is very complex; it can- not be broken down and reduced to a simple mechanism of brain function."

As aresult, we have ignored the importance of the spiritual dimen- sion of human existence, Those held ‘under materialisi’s sway, therefore, are forever chasing the chimera of unceas- ing acquisition, unable to find true contentment and well-being,

Dr, Ghadirian is well qualified to write about stich issues, A Fellow to the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and a Distinguished Life Fellow ofthe American Psychiatric Asso dation, he isa member of the faculty at McGill Materialism, continued on page ss

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