01-14-1985 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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During the past four years under the rule of K homeini's regime tens of thousands of Iranians have been forced to flee their country in fear of persecution, escaping from the insecurity and the jx)litical and economic chaos. Iran Relief Fund, a nonprofit and tax- exempt organization, was formed to assist these refugees who are victims of the ongoing tragedy in Iran. to adjust to their new environment and to alleviate the many hardships they face. In addition, Iran Relief Fund provides assistance to Iranian students who have been denied funds from home, are unable to work in this country and face the possibility of arrest and execution ujxir, their return t4i Iran. Refugees For the past four years, Iran has been in a state of turmoil, forcing tens of thousands to flee their country. Most of these refugees have fled Iran with nothing but their lives, and are stranded in varirus countries of the world. including the U.S., with no place to turn for help. Spread throughout the world, they are thrust into an alien environment, differing in language. customs and culture. Since they lack sufficient funds to obtain food, clothing, shelter, medical care and legal representation, these refugees face many hardships. The plight of refugees throughout the world has always been of concern to the American people. Thus, it is to you we turn for help. Without funds, Iranian refugees will continue to suffer and may once again have reason to fear for their lives. Education Iranian students in this country, estimated to be 40,000, face similar hardships as their lives are alsoimpe-iled. Frowning on" Western educa- tion," the Iranian government impedes the trans- fer of funds to Iranian students in the U.S. Having no other source of income, they face the very real possibility of being forced to return to Iran where they would face execution on charges of being *'Westernized". Amnesty international, for example, has reported that an Iranian student who returned to Iran was executed on February 8, 1982. "on charges which reportedly included 'being Westernized'." The American people appreciate the value of education and for years have established schol- ar.;hips and funds to enable students to pursue their educational goals. Denied funds from home. Iranian students also need your help to continue their education as well as avoid facirg Ow danger awaiting them in Iran. Looking Forward Iran Relief Fund, relying on the generous suptxxt of charitable individuals and organiza- 6. - -s, has provided vital assistance to scores of ne + !ranian refugees in their struggle to meet their basic needs. It has also assisted needy and qualified Iranian students in continuing their education. '� case in point is that of an Armenian brother and sister who fled Iran and came to the United States as refugees. Lacking funds to meet their basic needs. they were faced with seric-.js prob- lems. They are only one of the many cases referred to Iran Relief Fund by international relief agencies. Another case is that of a blind Iranian student who urgently needed funds to continue his education and faced the possibility of leaving school. Contributions from concerned individuals and organizations made it possible for us to alleviate some of their difficulties. In the past, we have relied on your support it aiding Iranian refugees and students. To maintain and expand our charitable activities, we continue to depend on your gen"ou. contributions. 1 I