AN ODE TO MAHSA AMINI

Dear friends,

If you’re like me, you’ve probably had Shervin’s song “Baraye” or “Because of ” slowly and mournfully playing repeatedly in the back of your mind. It’s such a beautiful song, incredibly poignant and heartbreakingly sad. I hear the song in my mind and find myself reminiscing about life back in Iran.

But there’s one particular line that I can’t get out of my head —

Because of my sister, your sister, all our sisters.

In a few simple words, this precious lyric encapsulates so much of what we’re all going through these days as Iranians. The fear we share for our families. For those nearest and dearest. For those at home. For those who are vulnerable. For those who are powerless. For those who dream of a simple ideal we sometimes take for granted — the freedom to be ourselves.

So many of us are dreaming of a better future for Iran. Because we have to tear down our old foolish ways.

At the same time, we know the road to that future is fraught with danger and a palpable fear of the unknown. But there is one particular element of this malaise that we can all agree on — that women (my sister, your sister, all our sisters) are taking on the mantle of the brave warrior, breaking down clichés, forcing the issue and making change a real and true possibility. Those women who’ve had no voice have found their voice, and we can track it straight back to a very brave young woman who sacrificed everything to be an agent of change, Mahsa Amini. Her bravery is a testament to the true spirit of Persian people around the globe. Fierce. Opinionated. Smart. Educated. Equal.

I never, ever dreamed that Aleph magazine could act as a vehicle to take on tough political issues. But with the current situation in Iran, I really had no choice. It was always planned to be a light, airy luxury lifestyle publication for Persian Canadians. A taste of the good life. But I’m sure most of you would agree that the good life for Persians worldwide has a bitter taste to it. It’s unavoidable.

I would like to thank all of our brave and talented creators, contributors, artists, and producers for delivering a beautiful and genuinely thoughtful issue that pushed the boundaries of comfort for us all. I would also like to thank our advertisers for supporting us through what can only be described as an identity crisis. Maybe it’s temporary. I hope so. But mostly, I would like to thank you, the reader, for your continued support of this unique publication that is wholly and completely a labour of love. This issue of Aleph magazine is dedicated to the life and legacy of true heroes, Iranian women. I hope you will all join me in remembering the extent of their sacrifice and their bold vision for freedom.

With affection,

Farhad Mehrabi, Publisher ALEPH

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