Arguing for the rights of 7 Baha'is

In 1994 I had the pleasure and honor of working at the Baha'i International Community as an intern for the Main Representative of this NGO to the United Nations. I will never forget that summer, as it was my first true exposure to fighting for human rights on behalf of Baha'is who were being systematically persecuted by the Government of Iran. As an intern, I learned how advocating on behalf of the Baha'is on the world stage is essential and necessary to improve the conditions of their rights, and moreover, create a platform to voice the injustices and continued violations of human rights by the Iranian Government. Unfortunately as yet, the violations have continued and now, recent events have placed this issue once again on the world stage.

7 Bahai's were arrested and imprisoned in Spring of 2008 due to incredulous unfounded allegations, including spying for Israel and propaganda against Islam etc. The trial is ongoing and the allegations are being bravely fought by the first Iranian awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, Shirin Abadi.

Being raised Muslim, I can tell you personally that it infuriates me that these allegations and actions could be made against these Baha'is, ranging in age from 35 to 75, with occupations including an educator, engineer, school principal, factory owner, social worker and optometrist. Anyone that knows any facts about the Baha'i Faith knows that it is a religion that has no tolerance for disunity, political scheming or any such crimes as described which they are clearly fabricating. Rather, it represents ideals and vision that necessitates mutual respect, obedience to government and acknowledgement that all religions, including Islam are part of one greater plan of one God and as a result are invaluable and necessary for continuing evolving progress of the human race. Furthermore, the organization of Baha'is are created to promote these ideas, support global community development and encourage everyone to see everyone else as part of one human family. Despite this however, there is a legal authority in Iran that sees these Baha'is and their organization as a threat.

The Baha'i International Community, the same NGO that I worked for 15 years ago, issued a letter to the Prosecutor of the Iranian court that articulates in eloquent detail, the reasons that these allegations are false. It provides an outline of the history of the violations of human rights against the Bahai's over the years and argues persuasively that the judiciary must take into consideration these facts and judge fairly. I have attached the link and urge you to read this.

If you want to help bring attention to these issues, please write your Congressman to support a bill currently on the House and Senate floor (Senate. Res. 71, House. Res. 175) condemning the Government of Iran for its continued state-support persecution of the Baha'i religious minority.

As a Baha'i and lawyer, I thank you for listening.

“It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope.” --Robert Kennedy

From winter to spring

As the snow melted over this weekend, and the weather went from chilly 17 degrees to a warm 60 practically overnight, I was reminded of a few fun things we did over the last few months, and how time flies right by from winter into spring.

1) Bella and Alec found a cocooned caterpillar and built a lovely stick-leaf-rock-grass house so when it emerges the Butterfly will be greeted with a welcome.

2) As a Baha'i, the celebration of Ayyam-i-Ha takes place prior to the 19 days of fasting (which is currently underway). For this year's holiday, apart from the fun presents that Pieter and I gave to Alec and Bella, I presented a lesson to Bella's 2nd grade classroom on what it means to be a Baha'i; and how we celebrate this time of year. It was fun and I was amazed at how many kids could really understand that the concept of unity of religion, and that there are always religious teachers over time. They each even read a few quotes from various writings of Buddha, Islam, Judaism, Christianity and Baha'i.

3) Thanks to a really nice work appreciation award, our family was invited to go to Puerto Rico for 4 days, and I saw the most beautiful sunset I have ever seen (see above). Since there were about 7 pools to choose from, we had our choices of slides, lazy rivers and swimming adventures. Isabella commented that after sliding down crazy long water slides, that it was the best day of her whole life. We also heard a bit more salsa music than we probably ever wanted, but it was a really nice experience (Alec's fevers and non-stop vomiting during 2 nights was the only bummer).

4) I went ice-skating on a home made ice rink that my husband rigged in our back patio. It was actually amazing fun. This was especially because Pieter, who can ice-skate circles around me (literally) held my hand and guided me as I slowly learned how to glide. Plus, Isabella is visibly a great potential figure skater in the making.

5) Determined to not give up my gardening skills all together--I am currently re-assessing my veggie garden skills and will attempt to plant leeks-broccolis-tomatoes, lettuce (the arugula kind) and onions despite my fears, hesitation and suspicion that the deer, bunnies and squirrel are waiting for me to plant their upcoming dinners.

6) I am currently in a book-study circle using the Ruhi Collaborative Book series. As part of the Baha'i outreach efforts, there is a great cycle of books where a few friends decide to engage on studying Baha'i writings together and learn how to apply spiritual principles to your daily life; whether as a student, mother, worker etc. One of the coolest things that happened over this past winter is that I was part of a group that completed Book 1 (Reflections of Life of the Spirit) with 2 of my good friends. We are now embarking on completing Book 4 (the Twin Manifestations) which describes in great story-telling ways how the Baha'i Faith began. There is nothing more intriguing or inspiring that seeing a friend unaware of certain ideas, discover practical answers to life's big questions. I am psyched and excited about this, and hope to reveal more later in the coming months.

In any event, I will post more soon, and will have some cool news to share about the SOUL PANCAKE!!!!

New Angels

Days go by so quickly, but once in a while, the clock stops, and you find out that out of the blue, someone you love and care for suddenly passes away from this world.

At those moments, I am struck by my memories and am in wonder whether I could have pushed the time a little further back to share another minute, a conversation or hug with people we love. Its ironic that the people we miss the most are those who gave so much of themselves in life.

Perhaps that is what it is all about...

"You would know the secret of death.
But how shall you find it unless you seek it in the heart of life?
The owl whose night-bound eyes are blind unto the day cannot unveil the mystery of light.
If you would indeed behold the spirit of death, open your heart wide unto the body of life.
For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one.

In the depth of your hopes and desires lies your silent knowledge of the beyond;
And like seeds dreaming beneath the snow your heart dreams of spring.
Trust the dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity.
Your fear of death is but the trembling of the shepherd when he stands before the king whose hand is to be laid upon him in honour.
Is the shepherd not joyful beneath his trembling, that he shall wear the mark of the king?
Yet is he not more mindful of his trembling?

For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun?
And what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?

Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.
And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.
And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance."

KHALIL GIBRAN

Marches in Mumbai

I was struck today listening to NPR's report of marches in Mumbai, how thousands of people flooded the streets marching in solidarity against the bombing attacks last week, some calling out for war, for peace, for justice by the government, mourning over relatives, and anger against Pakistan, and anger at the security forces that did not do enough to prevent this tragedy from happening.

As i heard the news, a strange sense of culture rooted me into the story. As if I was pulled into this chapter of current events and felt deep concerns about the issues that the news report focused on. I felt deeply connected to my background.

My family is from Pakistan.

While the reporter continued his story, I could see the faces, sense the feelings of outrage and hurt, and could fathom the loss of life in an instant of a loved one unfairly. Their voices were angry, passionate, determined and demanding justice. Somehow the sound of their cries were heard, and I felt sorry, sad and unsure what I should do.

My Father risked his life as a 13 year old boy as he traveled by train with millions of others when he left India during the partition. He was hiding in a basket, witnessed many atrocities that I never asked him about, and then he life in Pakistan began.

Amazing, how many thousands of miles away we are, back to the present, that when I first heard foggy details about the killings in Mumbai, I was at my sister's in Upstate NY, enjoying thanksgiving, and learning a to play Apples to Apples and laughing together about how many arguments we could create around words.

Whenever people ask me where I am from, I say I am an American with Pakistani Parents, not a Pakistani born in America

And yet, now I feel connected to them, that part of the world. Is this because the sound of the injustice from the voices rang so true to me, or because I was connected to their pain, connected to their hurt and want so much to help fix it. Everyone should fix it. I even thought up a campaign for all Pakistanis around the world to wear the Indian national colors in solidarity with their loss (White Saffron and Green anyone?).

Armed

There have been SO MUCH that has happened over the last few months, a new President, new potential for the United States and for people to see each other through the eyes of hope and unity, rather than through apathy, fear and prejudice. How wonderful it is to be inspired again!!

At the same time, I cannot forget that there are so many people, some whom i know personally who are suffering from a loss, are ill beyond repair, missing a friend and who cannot see the bright side of tomorrow. For everyone, and for me, when times get difficult, we have to remember that no matter what, there is always hope, and always a way back.

"Armed with the power of Thy name nothing can ever hurt me, and with Thy love in my heart all the world’s afflictions can in no wise alarm me ..."

Watch this video by Devon Gundry, "Armed". May it touch your heart.

http://vimeo.com/2228238

My lesson

This summer has swept by so fast...The biggest event was our 2 week visit to Holland. It was a vacation that I will never forget, partly because of introducing Europe to our kids, but also because of the friends and family we connected with.

During the 1st week, we attended a Baha'i Summer School at the Depoort Conference Center; which was filled with seeing old friends, many of whom we hadn't seen for a decade. Over coffees, dinners, and by the campsite, we connected and reignited the amazing friendships we remembered. We also found new shared experiences in our common futures, with family, lifestyles and balance. The close experience of true friendship blew me away.

It was unique, remarkable and so unexpected.

The 2nd week was a continuation and combined visits to older places, where Pieter grew up and visiting places he had been to as a child, having lots of fun and spending some time with family.

Once we got home, we found that a couple of ideas were born from this trip. Some of them acknowledging that perhaps we would find a stronger sense of home in Europe; and others inspiring a re-think on priorities and ensuring that we let the most important aspects of life take center stage.

Either way, it brought us to the realization that there is much fruit to bear and many more things to learn. The direction is unclear, but the journey has begun...

I wanted to end this blog entry with a poem, and message to my friends who I had the great honor of seeing, with whom I shared moments that I will not soon forget. To all of them, I miss you, until the next time. : )

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Friendship

And a youth said, 'Speak to us of Friendship.'

Your friend is your needs answered.

He is your field which you sow with love and reap with thanksgiving.

And he is your board and your fireside.

For you come to him with your hunger, and you seek him for peace.

When your friend speaks his mind you fear not the 'nay' in your own mind, nor do you withhold the 'ay.'

And when he is silent your heart ceases not to listen to his heart;

For without words, in friendship, all thoughts, all desires, all expectations are born and shared, with joy that is unacclaimed.

When you part from your friend, you grieve not;

For that which you love most in him may be clearer in his absence, as the mountain to the climber is clearer from the plain.

And let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the spirit.

For love that seeks aught but the disclosure of its own mystery is not love but a net cast forth: and only the unprofitable is caught.

And let your best be for your friend.

If he must know the ebb of your tide, let him know its flood also.

For what is your friend that you should seek him with hours to kill?

Seek him always with hours to live.

For it is his to fill your need, but not your emptiness.

And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures.

For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.

-Kahlil Gibran
____________

Washington, and the path ahead

I have been WAY to busy to write down even a little of what has happened this summer. But I have to just stop and write before this summer passes me by. We have done so many things already (including Blueberry picking, visiting NY, bowling etc.) but I will start at the beginning and will write more later about the rest (soon).

First, I should mention Washington, the place I go almost every week for work. Lots of folks (especially from work) could not believe this was the venue that Pieter and I would decide to visit for a 2 day get-away. However, much to my surprise, we discovered some of America's amazing treasures. (That sounds so cliche doesn't it?) I was suprised to realize that this country was formed by individuals who retained absolutely groundbreaking ideals and were led by principles of justice, freedom and equity trying to form this nation into its own story, broken from the past of the British Empire.

The prologue was on display at our first stop: The Library of Congress. (for more info on this place, go to the link above)

From seeing the actual books from Thomas Jefferson's library (which I should mention was really a treat as the collection mapped closely to Pieter's own collection) , to the redlined drafts of the Declaration of Independence, I was blown away from what I heard and saw. Although I expected that the multi-media presentation (from gliding screens of text, to movie and visual presentations; and tours etc.) would be helpful, I had no idea how objectively presented the history was displayed.

Right next to the drafts of the Declaration of Independence, and letters displayed in cases (among our founders) that a 2 party system was simply a horrible idea due to the division etc., there were short movie clips depicting various aspects of our history. Yet instead of patriotic symbolic movies, it actually contained realistic portrayals of times in our country when the principles of our nation were in conflict with its actions. Women's rights, treatment of blacks, the civil rights movement, treatment of the Japanese during World War 2, McCarthyism, times when our nation was frankly not proud and tall but had much to learn. It was refreshing to see such unbiased chapters of our story open and on display for the world to see.

The awe of the building, the architecture, the stories given by the tour guides were memorable and uncanny. In order to carve the staircase into little angels (16 or so) illustrating various types labor in the US at the time, the carver actually carved the marble right there out of a huge slab right in the Library of Congress, I forgot how many years it took, but it was stunning, and the carvings were amazing.

All of this was captured in this National Library of Congress, a place that our Government can access and read about any area of knowledge they wish (13 stories of books by the way!!)

We also saw the Holocaust Memorial and the Native American Museum, both affecting us very deeply and touched our hearts based on the history which we knew, but often don't remember on a daily basis. I was very glad to see both places, and frankly it made me pensive about much of where the world is heading, due to the similarity of the extremism that we witnessed as a world only half a century ago, could repeat itself again and again unless we engage in a different more enlightened path. The images I saw, and the facts that I learned are hard to recount on a blog, and does not really give the history its attention that it deserves. I will say however, that it seems we are running out of rope to repeat history too many more times.

It reminds me of what I felt at the Library of Congress, seeing how fresh idealism and perseverance helped form this country, and how tenacity set new ground for a nation built on principles unlike many around the world. It was not easy, and certainly could not have been certain. I wonder if they were here today, and were trying to figure out the issues around the world, where they would go; how they would think. Perhaps the good of the world, rather than nation? Imagine that.

"Honesty is the first chapter of the book of wisdom."
Thomas Jefferson

"My first wish is to see this plague of mankind, war, banished from the earth."
George Washington

"We hold these truths to be sacred and undeniable, that all men are created equal and independent, that from that equal creation they derive rights inherent and inalienable, among which are the preservation of life, and liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
Thomas Jefferson

Mother's Day

The concept of Mother's Day is only just starting to "set in". Despite having a 7 year old daughter, giving me 7 years to get used to this idea, I usually still think about my Mom and picture our brunches we used to have when I was growing up; and the tea or breakfast I would try to make for her when she awoke. It meant a day to say thanks, and have some nice celebration...

As for myself, I am learning slowing about how this day through my kid's eyes and not my own.

This morning, I got up to my daughter handing me a lovely poster that had designs all over and read "MOM" she also wrote a note saying happy mothers day. My son had already given me a special plant that he made during school two days ago. (I have to back track since for most of last week I was away on a business trip; and thus could not spend the "Mothers Day Tea" with Alec at his school on Friday morning.)

Back to today, my son was still kind of confused that his school's Mothers Day Tea was spent with my Mom, instead of me so he was not sure why Bella was saying Happy Mothers day; but he obliged and gave me a hug anyways.

After breakfast in our library, we went about our normal day, hangin outside, gardening, weeding, enjoying coffee in the sun and munching some yummy snacks that was partially due to some wonderful gifts friends from Holland brought over (winegums, stroopwaffels...) and homemade banana cardamom bread. We also wished Happy Mom Day to the other mothers in our family, (Oma & Pumpkin, we love you!!)

Towards the end of the day after a not so cool cooking experiment (homemade wheat pasta was GREAT; but no one but me loves a fresh cherry tomatoes pasta toss) I gave the kids a shower, got them ready for bed and checked Isabella's folder from school to clean it out for Monday...

I found a lovely, surprising project she had worked on; which really made me pause and basically stopped me in my tracks.

Her project was to fill in some blanks at school regarding her Mom. Much of what she wrote was so different that I would have anticipated; yet at the same time, it was so Isabella. More importantly, and perhaps surprisingly, it made me realize how she may see me.

It made me understand more about today; its not about the brunches, dinners, or flowers etc. it is about the art of Mom, the love we receive and appreciating that amazing bond between parents and children.



To all moms, hope you had a wonderful Mothers Day!

Upcoming "family" trip!

I love travel, and Pieter and I enjoyed flying to France, Holland, Belgium, Colorado, NY city, Israel, Boston and more before we had kids. After kids, well its rather obvious our flying legs took a break in exchange for family wings. Luckily, we were able to fly out to Paris and cruise along the Baltic Sea last summer, but both trips without the company of our two favorite people.

Instead of traveling out of town, we transform our evenings and weekends into family activities like gardening, hiking, walking through Princeton, grocery shopping, steam train riding and even heading to Manhattan (have not done yet but will this summer). As the kids grow older (4 and 7) we can slowly expand our wings into places and time that can span oceans, visiting family and finally taking a plane.

This summer we are all traveling to the Netherlands, for 2 weeks...an entire 2 weeks... an entire 2 weeks. Sorry, this repeat is only a symptom of my inability to believe this reality. Ordinarily, I only take 2-3 days of vacation at a time due to my hectic schedule at work (and my workaholic nature). Yet this time, we are doing it, and I can't wait...my kids are so excited about the plane, and Alec keeps "Are we taking a plane? Please take me on a plane, with Mommy, Daddy and Isabella"; while Isabella reminds us that when we take the plane (which she yells for joy each time) her and her brother will have to ride with an adult while the plane takes off to be safe (she is really conscientious, even her teacher told us so).

In some ways, this trip is a long overdue, since every year we have as a family mentioned a possibility to go to Holland but have never felt is was quite yet right, both due to the ages of Bella and Alec, and also cost for 4 tickets is not too cheap these days. But this year, and ironically even due to my constant business travel, everything has come together.

Traveling for work can sometimes mean my time is very limited and I hardly think of "time off" for myself. And yet, because every trip is usually associated with some reward point system, I accumulate tons of potential rewards. This summer, they have become a wonderful gift for our family.

Besides getting 2 Continental round trip tickets to the Netherlands in mid July mostly from points, Pieter and I will be taking a short trip to DC courtesy of my Hyatt and Amtrak rewards...finally I can see this town from outside the office and can go to the Spy museum! : )

Anyway, can't wait for these trips to happen, and to finally share some long overdue time with our dear friends and family across the ocean in Holland. (Oma, here we come!!!!!!)

Leuk, eh?? (Dutch for cool)

Once

Sometimes, it is important to get inspired by music, art, creativity and love. Over the past few weeks, I have had very close friends (2) who have lost their father and my heart goes out to them. It is not easy losing someone even though the journey for that special soul may have only just continued to another place. Missing a person never stops; as I can certainly relate. Tonight as I was arriving from one of my weekly trips from DC, I was reminded of my Dad.

It wasn't expected, as I was kind of exhausted after a long train ride from DC. But as I left the train to get to my car late at night, I felt the fresh black air which helped to wake me up a bit. I was happily surprised to see so many folks at the station late at night (as I was worried a bit for my safety). Anyway, I got in my car and hooked up my IPOD to listen to my favorite soundtrack "ONCE" which always raises my heart's senses. (Leave is an incredible track...)

After departing the "Metropark" station, I drove past the Garden State Parkway exit that I needed to take; but luckily, due to my handy "TOM TOM" I then was instructed to turn into an alternative road towards my town.

I ended up being on a special road, which actually relates to my Dad. 30 odd years ago, my father, James Gill (American version of Tajammul) worked as a civil engineer in Central Jersey. As the story goes, one of the roads he helped designed was not assigned any particular name. As a result, they named it after my Dad's last name "Gill" Lane; why not? The engineer could get some credit too : )

So here I was driving and my Dad's name was flashing on my TOM TOM. It was a surreal experience, as my thoughts began to veer into my memories of him of our good times and difficult ones. The Once soundtrack kept on playing (Falling Slowly & When Your Mind is Made Up) and I was reminded of so many things about my youth, my experiences growing up and how many things I didn't know; and hadn't asked my Dad about.

Some things I wish I could have shared with him, if only I could turn back the clock and speak to him about some choices, ideas and perspectives that a young girl at my age could never have known. If I did know, it could have (maybe) helped at the time.

Anyway, reflecting over this was good and has kept me up for another hour (past Midnight) before an early work day.

It is (very) late but somehow I wanted to just share this moment and to be reminded that people we have loved don't ever really fade from our hearts, no matter how much time goes by, as long as we continue to remember. And, although it still hurts to miss my Dad, there is a sense of peace that arises that he somehow hears me and knows.

Peace. Check out ONCE on http://www.myspace.com/oncesoundtrack