A Moment Like This

I'm currently on my lunch break at work, and I figured I'd write this post now because I'll keep putting it off and the memories will slowly fade away. I wanted to write about my wonderful experience at the UCLA Candlelight Vigil on Saturday, June 27th in memory of those that have died since the start of the protests in Iran.


It was very unfortunate that no one I knew could come with me to the vigil, and I really wish that more people, especially those that are non-Iranian like myself, would come and support our brothers and sisters who are fighting for their freedom in Iran. My experience at the vigil was one that I will never forget. It was a very touching event and being there with so many others made me really feel like I was supporting something that was a great deal larger than I could ever imagine.

Being on Twitter and supporting them through these hard times has changed my life and the way I think forever (I'll elaborate more on that in a later post). But being at the vigil and seeing the people first hand, immersed in their music, shaking their hands, and holding my hand or candle up in a symbol of piece; that was another experience entirely. I will forever be grateful for that experience.

The people were very welcoming and very supportive. I arrived at UCLA's Bruin Plaza a little early, and I stood by myself tweeting on my cell phone, green scrunchie/bracelet on my right wrist as it has been for a good week. Within minutes, a woman comes up to me and thanks me for coming to the vigil. There's no possible way to describe how I felt in that moment. I, myself, was just grateful that I could be there, that they would allow me to be there and share this experience with them. As I said before, it just made me feel as if I was a part of a greater cause.


I soon learned that the woman's name was Sima. She was so nice and welcoming, introducing me to everyone that she greeted. All around me, I saw the Persians greet each other; a beautiful sounding Shalom and two kisses to their cheeks. That's a tradition that I sometimes wish was more widely done or accepted. It just made everything feel so much more personal, in my opinion. Everyone that Sima introduced me to would also thank me for being there and supporting.

I have to say I was one of the handful of people who weren't Persian at the vigil. One of the gentlemen that sat down and talked to Sima and I made the same observation, saying that I was the only one there to support them that wasn't Persian. However, I never felt alienated whatsoever while I was there. I must express my regret for the lack of outside support, though. I wish others would get more involved and show their support for what the Iranians are fighting for. We have so many liberties here that we take for granted, and they're over there risking their lives fighting for them. My only wish is that more people around me could see that.


Moving on to the actual program itself, again, it was truly beautiful. The music that was performed was a pleasure to listen to, despite the fact that I didn't understand it. I've fallen in love with the Persian song Yar e Dabestani e Man, a song that I've learned originated from the first revolution. It's a beautiful song, and I cannot stop listening to it when I can. There were poems read at the vigil. All of them were very powerful. Those that I understood really touched me; so beautiful and moving.


I shall end this post here. All in all, it was an experience that I will never forget. I only wanted to show my support for everyone who's struggling in Iran and for those who may have family there.

To those who are in Iran: Never lose hope! The world is watching, the world is listening, the world is right behind you in support. We all stand in solidarity; a sea of green.

For more pictures, feel free to visit my Flikr.

And for the videos that I captured at the vigil, visit this YouTube playlist.

Thank you for your time. Until next time!