Iran Interfaith Solidarity Vigil
"Human Rights, Free Elections"

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this vigil making a political statement about military action or sanctions?
No. Iranians and people around the world are divided on these policy issues. What we can agree on is the importance of people-to-people solidarity. Calling for “free elections and human rights” in Iran is a banner we believe transcends political divisions. Iranians should be free to express themselves and hold fair and free elections to choose their leaders. By echoing this call – supported at over 40 rallies around the world on June 12 – we take a stand for decency.

Who are the people behind this vigil?
The Free Iran Coalition unites Iranians and non-Iranians of diverse outlooks and backgrounds behind the call for human rights and free elections in Iran. The coalition grew out of spontaneous solidarity events organized last summer in response to the crackdown in Iran. The Iranian-Americans who organized those events united despite their political differences to stand in solidarity with people being attacked on the streets of Tehran and beyond. This vigil is being spearheaded by a next-generation coalition of young Iranian-Americans and their non-Iranian friends who support the cause. We are proud to have support from diverse civic organizations in Boston, including Amnesty International and the American Islamic Congress. If you want to learn more about who we are, feel free to contact Sohrab Ahmari or Arya Shams at info@freeirancoalition.org.

What difference can a vigil in Boston, thousands of miles away from Iran, make?
People risking their lives on the frontlines need the support of people of conscience from around the world. The regime does everything it can to demoralize Iranians by making them feel isolated. You can help prevent this. We want to remind Iranian youth that people outside stand behind them. If a young activist in Tehran knows the world is paying attention he or she will be less scared to speak out. We also want Iranian leaders to know that the world is watching and that repression has a price-tag. This maintains pressure on the regime, which helps protect protestors inside.

What can I do besides attending the vigil?