Iranian New Year Celebrations in London, Manchester, Bristol, Reading, Oxford, Cambridge, Edinburgh

ILA organised several Events on the occasion of NoRuz (Iranian New Year which coincides with Easter holidays) in London, Edinburgh, Cambridge, Oxford, Bristol, Manchester and Reading from March to May 2015. In these family gatherings many friends took part and expressed their feelings or played music.

The following are a few comments from the friends of the Association.

Chris: It’s really a quick note to thank you all for the very happy NoRuz Celebration I enjoyed on Saturday here in Edinburgh. Tell Jamshid he prepared a beautiful tasty meal!

Mary: I was very moved to hear the firsthand accounts of experience in Camp Liberty. I admire so much the strength and devotion to great ideals which people have shown. As always I was impressed by the generous hospitality and the unique dignity and grace of Iranian culture.

Janet: there I’m sending you my Easter card – with another poem!

The rising sun

renews our lives

and warms our hearts.
But times are hard
And days bring sorrow.

Pain and anguish tempt

us to despair.

Yet Confidence in life
and hope in death
come from the risen Son.

Moya: We have chosen Spring The human mind has a way of seeking the light and once a chink
is found, no matter how slight, it will follow it to its source. We have learned about choice and we have heard of the sunshine, the soaring of the soul, the freedom of the dance and the song and the goodness of those things and we are rising from the blackness

Not winter, not dark

In a world where choice abounds

We have chosen Spring.

Chris (another): It was lovely to celebrate Noruz together. How beautifully the room was set out, a good programme was put together, and thanks to those who prepared the excellent meal. I join you in sincere hope that the direction of history lifts the honourable people of Iran and that the influence of the oppressors fades.

Lamar: It was my first experience celebrating
Noruz which I found enchanting to learn so many
wonderful things about your culture, traditions,
music and warmth to all guests. But the most
impressive part was to hear about all the bravery
and courage the Iranians have exhibited over these hard years. It is an inspiration to us all and I wish all the people at Camp Liberty and in the ILA great success for the future.