Why are you organizing this meeting?
‘We are doing this to support the Iranian people who are resisting the Islamic regime. Many people have seen in the news that Iranian universities were closed for a month. When they reopened, students began protesting. They do so with the feeling that this is their 'last fight'. This protest and memorial gathering is not only taking place at the UT, but is part of a global movement. Similar actions are also being held at universities in Italy, Germany, and the United States. We, a group of ten to fifteen people, are organizing the same event on our campus to support the Iranian people. By standing at O&O Square this afternoon, we are showing our solidarity with them.’
What exactly is going to happen?
‘We will be at O&O Square from 12:30 to 13:30. We will display photos of the victims, play national songs, and there will be short speeches by speakers addressing the situation in the country. We will conclude with traditional Iranian music and a collective round of applause. The applause is a powerful symbolic gesture that is widely used. Where they want us to be silenced, we make ourselves heard.’
Do you expect a large turnout?
‘We expect around fifty to sixty people. It is possible that this number will still grow. Former UT employees who now work in the area may join at the last minute. Many people have responded positively to the initiative. Since the beginning of the unrest in Iran, I have felt a great deal of involvement and warmth. Colleagues regularly ask how my family is doing and offer their help. It gives a strong sense of solidarity.’
What does this event mean for you personally?
‘For me, it feels special that this meeting is taking place on campus and that the university allows it. I lived in Iran for 23 years, but Enschede and the UT are now my home. As soon as I drive past the Grolsch factory after leaving Schiphol, I feel at home. With this gathering, I not only want to commemorate, but also to build a bridge between Dutch and Iranian culture.’
What do you hope to achieve?
‘The main goal is to make the voices of those who can no longer speak heard. What this global action will ultimately achieve remains to be seen.’
