sorayaf40's photostream

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United Nation Association of US event

United Nation Association of US & UN Foundation

Jan 26 2013
Fernando Valley chapter. Besides our program, we will continue our annual meeting business with accepting our budget, electing our leaders, and hear officer, committee and chapter reports

Against assassination of , three Kurdish women activists in a Paris

We as KNC-NA, Human Rights Advocacy Group arranged gathering front of French embassy  to show our Condemnation against the Brutal Murder of Three Kurdish Women Activists in Paris

Here is the letter 

Mr. Manuel Valls

The Minister of Interior

Place Beauvau

75008 Paris, France

Letter of Condemnation against the Brutal Murder of Three Kurdish Women Activists in Paris

Dear Mr. Manuel Valls:

We members of the Kurdish Communities in Southern California are outraged, appalled, and anguished by the barbaric assassination of Sakine Cansiz, Fidan Dogan, and Leyla Solyemez, three Kurdish women activists in a Paris based Kurdish Center. The office by press accounts is called Kurdistan Information Center. The Kurdish media note their death as of January 9 at 6:00 a.m. but noticed around 2:00 a.m. on January 10. In your prompt denunciation of the savagery, you had characterized the crime scene as“execution style”. According to similar reports, the Center had been turned into a slaughterhouse as the three innocent women had faced firing squad like executions.

We join the French people in expressing our condolences to the families and friends of the victims and express our outrage at such an abhorrent ferocity committed on your land. As you may know these women were prominent figures among Kurds in France, human rights organizations, and members of the European Parliament; they had long been known for being staunch advocates of human rights, women’s rights, and peace. Sakine Cansiz, one of the founders of PKK( Workers Party of Kurdistan) and a champion of women’s rights had been imprisoned , tortured , and mutilated in Turkey ; Rojbin Fidan Dogan, was a member of Kurdistan National Congress, based in Brussels, Belgium ; shehad been closely working with European Turkey Civic Commission( EUTCC) and in their words “her work had been very important for our international work.” (ETCC Press Release cited in Mesop). Marie Christine Vegiat, Gue/NGL MEP of the European Parliament in remembering Fidan, laments “I have no words to express the horror and sadness I feel about this crime. Rojbin Fidan Dogan was the first person to tell me about the Kurdish question. She was so full of life. I will never forget her smile... (Jan,10, 2013<http://Mesop.de>) and Leyla Solyemez, a staff member of the Center who was working to create a better condition for her people. What these Kurdish women had in common was their love for liberty. Sadly they were murdered in Paris, the apogee of freedom.

We are torn by this great tragedy and join the world wide protest to express our outrage and condemnation of this ferocious act driven by enmity against Kurdish people and their struggle for freedom and peace. We find it very disturbing that before any investigation of these crimes, the Turkish government continues to use vindictive rhetoric of discord and distrust directly contradicting its proclaimed commitment to peaceful negotiations particularly at a time that Kurds are hopeful that the bloody conflict is being ultimately addressed. Sakine, Fidan, and Leyla fell defending the cause of common peace and human rights. Undoubtedly their individual and collective work and abidingcommitment would continue to serve as an inspiration for all human rights activists and humanitarian people. It is with this spirit in mind that we call upon the French government to investigate the assassinations independently and as expeditiously as possible so that responsible individuals and parties are found and brought to justice.

We also entrust our confidence in the European parliamentarians, particularly those who knew the victims to use their political and moral authority to exert pressure on the EU to play an active role in shedding light on the criminal investigation of this carnage and in promoting a peaceful and just solution to the Kurdish question in Turkey.

Cordially,

Dr.Amir Sharifi

Director of Human Rights Advocacy Group

.

Against Rape impunity

I just signed this important petition against Rape impunity

Dear 16 Days Activists,

A petition has been started on avaaz.org calling on government officials to pursue legislation to end rape impunity following the rape and death of a young woman in India last month. Officials are meeting January 4th. Please share this urgent petition widely with your networks.

http://www.avaaz.org/en/india_justice_for_rape_victims_b/?cTpuZcb

In solidarity,
The 16 Days Team

http://www.avaaz.org/en/india_justice_for_rape_victims_b/?cTpuZcb

Kurdish Youth Festival Jan4-6

-------------------------------------------------

Saturday, January 5, 20137:35PM

Cklara Moradian and Soraya Fallah play:

Lullabies Shaping Kurdish Identity

PROGRAM

The program is subject to change.

Friday, January 4, 2013
Start Finish Program
3:00PM 4:45PM Lunch at Torreyanna Grill (Located inside hotel)
5:00PM 5:15PM Introductions
5:20PM 5:50PM Getting to know each other!
6:00PM 6:30PM Discussion on the Kurdish Language
6:35PM 6:45PM Play by Actress and Singer Ala Riani
6:50PM 7:30M Film Competition (Judges: Bahman Ghobadi and Mustafa Gundogdu)
7:30PM 7:45PM Break
7:45PM 8:45PM Trivia Game (Host: Salan Hawizy)
8:50 10:35 Special Screening of Bahman Ghobadi’s “Rhino Season” followed by Q&A
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Start Finish Program
10:00AM 10:15AM Introductions
10:20AM 11:05AM Tolerance: The Remedy for Unity (Moderator: Xoshink Bazaz)
11:10AM 11:50AM From the Diaspora to the Homeland (Moderator: Karwan Zebari Speakers: Jotiar Ziad, Beri Shalmashi, and Salan Hawizy)
11:50AM 12:00AM BREAK
12:05PM 12:45PM The Backbone of Kurdish Society (Moderator: Peri Shushi)
12:45PM 1:45PM LUNCH
1:50PM 2:50PM How to Helperkê (Moderator: Goran Z. Sadjadi)
FREE TIME
7:00PM 7:10PM Introductions
7:15PM 7:30PM Mayor Bob Filner
7:35PM 7:50PM Cklara Moradian and Soraya Fallah play: Lullabies Shaping Kurdish Identity
7:55PM 8:30PM Art Auction
8:30PM 8:45PM BREAK
8:50PM 10:15PM Kurds Got Talent (Judges: Kurdish Rapper Serhado and Singer Nasir Rezazî )
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Start Finish Program
9:00AM 1:30PM Boat Tour (Buses rented for hotel guests only)
FREE TIME
5:00PM 5:30PM Introductions
6:00PM 7:00PM Nasir Rezazî
7:15PM 8:30PM Dinner
8:30PM 9:30PM Hozan Sîmar
9:30PM 10:45PM Nasir Rezazî
11:00PM 11:55AM Hozan Sîmar
11:55PM 12:00AM Thank you for coming! See you next year!

http://kurdishyouthfestival.org/

FOURTH ANNUAL KURDISH YOUTH FESTIVAL SOLIDIFIES EVENT’S PLACE AS A PREMIER GATHERING FOR THE COMMUNITY

The Kurdish Youth Festival has become the most anticipated event among the Kurdish youth and this year’s event was as spectacular as ever. Guests from all over the United States, Canada, and across the world attended the Fourth Annual Kurdish Youth Festival dubbed “#4KYF”, which took place at the luxurious Hotel Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines, in San Diego, CA on January 4th to 6th, 2013. The event yet again brought together young Kurds as well as non-Kurds from a variety of backgrounds, created a great learning experience for all, helped new friendships develop, and renewed a sense of community among the Kurds. Hundreds attended the festival while many others were able to participate in the event online through the event’s live stream as well as via Twitter and Facebook.
Day One: From Film Screenings to Educational Games
The event kicked off with brief introductions by hosts, Ms. Helat Tahir from the Nashville Kurdish Community in Tennessee, and the previous festival’s Kurds Got Talent winner and comedian, Mr. Korang “KaeKurd” Kurda who flew in from London to attend the festival. Both the Kurdish and American national anthems were played. Then followed the icebreakers, where guests joined assigned groups to meet and get to know different attendees. The festival’s program officially began with an opening act by up and coming actress, Ms. Ala Riani, who performed a beautiful emotional monologue about female Kurdish political prisoners in Iran.
As a reflection of its commitment to education, the Fourth Annual Kurdish Youth Festival encouraged Kurdish students to pursue higher education by providing financial support through an essay contest.  This year’s essay question asked students to share how their family background has affected their goals and aspirations. These essays were anonymously judged by Kurdish professionals Ms. Behar Godani, Ms. Laura Khailany, and Director at the University of Arizona, Mr. Christian Sinclair. Mr. Christian Sinclair announced the winners of the $1,000 scholarships to young Kurds, Ms. Barin Omer and Mr. Zaniar Moradian, as well as the $500 scholarships to Ms. Sherin Zadeh, Ms. Helat Tahir, Ms. Halin Haji, Mr. Rebin Omer, Mr. Rand Mustafa and Mr. Dilgish Tayar. It is evident by the increase of submissions that this aspect of the festival is growing and reaching out to more students each year. The festival committee hopes to continue to provide scholarships to Kurdish-American students through future essay contests.
The next program focused on the issue of language and the discussion hosted by Ms. Tahir and Mr. Kurda who speak Northern Kurdish (Kurmanji/Bahdini) and Central Kurdish (Sorani) respectively. Some attendees questioned the fact that English has been the primary language of the festival. The hosts and the KYF committee asked the attendees for their thoughts on this issue. Generally, the attendees as well as the committee concluded that English should be the primary language used because there are so many different Kurdish dialects/languages spoken by the Kurds including Kelhuri, Zazaki, and Hewrami. However, some audience members recommended that the festival committee include parts of the festival in the Kurdish dialects/languages, such as during the introductions of speakers and programs.
Next, the festival’s annual film contest commenced and featured three short films by young Kurdish filmmakers including “Blood of Pomegranate” by Mr. Awat Ali, “Zol’a” by Mr. Phillip Rachid, and “Heart on Fire” by Ms. Beri Shalmashi. The judges of the film competition included the world famous and internationally acclaimed Kurdish filmmaker, Mr. Bahman Ghobadi, and the respected Kurdish human rights activist and filmmaker, Mr. Mustafa Gundogdu. The competition’s first prize went to the emotional short film entitled, “Heart on Fire”, by Ms. Beri Shalmashi.
The first day of the festival concluded with a trivia game hosted by Mr. Salan Hawizy who attended the festival from Kurdistan. The Trivia Game allowed attendees to learn more about Kurdish history and culture in an interactive and fun way. Various questions were asked about different parts of Kurdistan and Kurdish history and encouraged guests to go out of their way to learn more about other parts of Kurdistan. This year’s winners were young Kurds, Mr. Sheraz Waise, Mr. Rebaz Waise, Mr. Miran Waise and Mr. Sarkaut Zangana. Contestants such as Mr. Ahmet Oncel took the opportunity to enlighten attendees about present issues facing Kurds in the Middle East.
Day Two: From Round Table Discussions to Art and Talent Shows and a visit by the Mayor of San Diego
Saturday morning began with a round-table discussion entitled, “Tolerance: The Remedy for Unity”, moderated by Kurdish activist, Ms. Xoshink Bazaz. Ms. Bazaz who attended the festival from Sweden started her presentation by showing the audience a video by Ms. Arazu Hasan about division, tolerance, and unity from the Second Annual Kurdish Youth Festival. Ms. Bazaz’s key message was that Kurdistan’s success depends on us being able to understand, appreciate, and work with each other. She stated: “It depends on us being more tolerant of each other. Intolerance will only drive groups apart, create a sense of permanent separation between us.”
The next panel was hosted by Mr. Karwan Zebari, a director at the KRG US Representative office, and was titled “From the Diaspora to the Homeland”. The panel featured a Capability Development Leader for Western Zagros Resources Ltd., Mr. Jotiar Ziad, a Kurdish filmmaker and instructor at the University of Salahaddin in Hewler, Ms. Beri Shalmashi, and a Direct Sales Manager for Zain Telecom in Kurdistan, Mr. Salan Hawizy. Each panelist gave deep insight to the Kurds in the diaspora seeking to go back to Kurdistan permanently. The panelists shared useful information as well as their own personal experiences to the audience members to give them a sense of what it is like to work in Kurdistan. All three guests were raised outside of Kurdistan and have returned there to work and live.
The morning’s discussions ended with a segment entitled “The Backbone of Kurdish Society”, hosted by Kurdish poet and journalist, Ms. Peri Shushi. The segment intended to address the role of women in Kurdish society as well as the obstacles facing women and how to resolve them.
Following a social lunch at the hotel for the festival’s attendees, KAYO co-founder and Kurdish-American activist, Mr. Goran Z. Sadjadi, kicked off a session where attendees could learn a new Kurdish dance from the many varieties that exist. Mr. Sadjadi talked about the Kurdish heritage and history and demonstrated how Kurdish dance is part of the Kurdish oral tradition that often tells old stories about love and drama. He then introduced the dance instructors, Ms. Akhink Omer, Mr. Peshkout Duski, Mr. Burak Aydin, Ms. Helat Tahir, Mr. Mohammed Hesen, and Mr. Rebin Omer, who proceeded to teach dances from all over Kurdistan to the attendees who wished to learn.
The evening of the second day of the festival began with introduction of San Diego’s new mayor, Mr. Bob Filner. Mayor Filner delivered an inspirational speech encouraging attendees to contact their representatives to support the Kurdish cause. Mayor Filner was the first U.S. congressmen to openly call for an independent Kurdistan and his relationship with the Kurdish-American community dates back many years. Mayor Filner received a standing ovation from his Kurdish-American supporters in the audience, many of whom took an active role in his most recent campaign.
The next event was an inspiring play performed by lifelong Kurdish human rights activist and women’s rights leader, Ms. Soraya Fallah, and her daughter, Kurdish activist, published poet and artist, Ms. Cklara Moradian. The two performed a play entitled “Lullabies Shaping Kurdish Identity”, which focused on the mother’s role in teaching the Kurdish language and identity to her children. Ms. Cklara Moradian recited a spoken-word piece and her mother, Ms. Soraya Fallah, sang a beautiful song to the soft melodies played by Kurdish musician, Mr. Murat Daslik.
Following the play, the festival’s annual art auction showcased various pieces by very talented Kurdish artists, Mr. Lukman Ahmed, Mr. Ayad Almissouri, Mr. Khairy Adam, Mr. Naseem Mahmood, Ms. Vian Peshdary, Mr. Aryan Abu Bakr, and Mr. Mahmoud Mohammed. Each piece was auctioned off to the audience who enthusiastically outbid one another. This year’s art auction had drawn in more art pieces than ever before.
Following a break, attendees were in for a big treat. The famous Kurdish hiphop artist, Serhad Fermi, known better by his stage name “Serhado”, kicked off the festival’s annual “Kurds Got Talent” (KGT) event  with a ground-shaking performance. The audience cheered him on as he performed some of his popular music, including Ez Kurdistanim and Lo Dilo. Serhado used his time on stage to highlight the need for unity and for the Kurdish people to support one another regardless of which part of Kurdistan their families originally came from.
One of the festival’s major highlights, the KGT event, began with performances by eight contestants. Their performances featured comedy and entertainment, music, and poetry. KGT allowed the judges, rapper Serhado and the Kurdish musical legend and former peshmerga, Mr. Nasir Rezazi, to offer feedback to each of the participants and were each allowed one vote. Audience members were also given the opportunity to vote for their favorite contestant. The first prize was awarded to Mr. Lawand Abdi, and the second and third prizes were awarded to Ms. Jihan Muhamad, and Ms. Parween Taha.
Day Three: Touring San Diego followed by a Grand Finale
On the final day of the festival, the committee organized a 45-minute boat tour of the San Diego waters followed by a visit to the beautiful island of Coronado. Attendees wore their “I Love Kurdistan” t-shirts and sported their other gear provided by the festival’s Diamond Sponsor, AsiaCell, and danced to traditional Kurdish music during the boat tour. Following the tour, attendees returned to the hotel to prepare for the final party. Attendees dressed in colorful traditional Kurdish clothes and were ready to show off their new dance moves with their new and old friends. The night ended with performances by Kurdish hiphop artist, Serhado, Kurdish musical legend Nasir Rezazi, and famous and talented Kurdish singer Hozan Simar.
Special thanks were also extended to the sponsors of the festival including the Diamond sponsor AsiaCell, Gold sponsor WesternZagros, Silver sponsor Delair Adib, Silver sponsor Qubad Talabani, and Bronze sponsor Niva Car Trading. Special thanks were also extended to Kurdish photographer from Norway, Ms. Halat Sophie, and Ms. Beri Shalmashi and Mr. Kawa Baqi, for their videography work and who both came to the festival from Kurdistan, and all the other volunteers who helped make the festival a success.
Special thanks to this year’s diverse committee that came from all parts of Kurdistan as well as the United States and even Canada: Mr. Minhaj Akreyi, Mr. Burak Aydin, Ms. Lelav Basha, Mr. Ganj Beebani, Ms. Deniz Gumustekin, Mr. Mohammed Hesen, Ms. Perjin Jaffer, Mr. Alan Muhealdan,  Ms. Akhink Omer, Mr. Rebaz Qaradaghi, Ms. Nuha Serrac, Ms. Shanaz Waise, and Ms. Sarah Yousif.

Happy New Year, 2013

Wishing peace, Love, justice, and equality for all
from our family to you and your loved ones
Happy New Year, 2013
سالى نوى ٢٠١٣ ى زايينى تان لى پيروز بيت
هيوادارين سالى نوى ٢٠١٣ سالى ئاشتى و ئازادى بو هه مو گه لان، سالى خوشى و سه لامه تى و سه ر به رزى بو ئيوه ى ئازيز بيت
سال نو ميلادى ٢٠١٣ بر شما پيروز و فرخنده باد
اميدواريم سال نو سال صلح و آزادى براى همه ملتهاى جهان، و سالى سرشار از سلامتى و شادكامى و سربلندى براى شما عزيزان باشد
Azad , Cklara, Soraya, and Zaniar Moradian
ئازاد،كلارا، سوره يا، زانيار موراديان

My Natural Christmas tree

Merry Christmas Zaniar,Cklara,Azad and all my dears on my tree

Part of our family’s Christmas Tree. I add 4 new ornaments every year ,each for one of my family member. I write on each one. The rest of the ornaments are for all those family members that are not with us. I love the smell of natural tree in my house, reminds me essence of nature in Kurdistan .

Merry Christmas

این بخشی از درخت کریسمس خانه ماست. من هر ساله چهار  اورنومنت مختص به آن سال به نام اعضای خانواده ام به درخت اضافه می کنم . روی هر کدام از حبابها اسم یکی از اعضای عزیز خانواده ام است. زانیار کلارا و آزاد. بقیه  برای تمام کسانی است که با ما نیستند و به یادشان هستیم.  درخت طبیعی با بوی خوش کریسمس  یادآور بوی درختان کردستان است. کریسمستان مبارک

ئه مه به شیکه له داری کریسمه سی مالی ئیمه. من هه مو سالیک چوار ئورنومنتی تازه ی پی زیا ده که م بو هه ئه ندامیکی بنه ماله که م. له سه ر هه رکامی نیوی ئه و ئه زیزانه م ده نوسم. زانیار کلارا ئازاد . باقی ئه و ئورنومنتانه به بیره وه ری هه مو ئه و ئازیزانه مان که له کریسمه سدا له گه لمان نین. بونی خوشی ئه م داره بیره وه ری کوردستانمه. کریسمه ستان پیروز بیت

Minorities of the World, Unite! By Ava Homa:

Minorities of the World, Unite!

Written on July 24, 2012 by Editor in Culture, Iran, Kurdistan, Religion

By Ava Homa:

                                                     David Hoffman

David Hoffman, the American Film Producer, Calls for Solidarity between the Kurds and Baha’is
A stigmatized Jewish child who is bullied for a religion he has only inherited and has not chosen and/or understood, David Hoffman turns into an atheist at age 12. “A God who lets people be violent towards each other in His name, either does not exist or is out of his mind,” his young, rebellious, and thirsty-for-justice mind declares. He remains a curious atheist until the age of twenty when he meets a very active American family who are Baha’is and introduce him to this religion.

“I thought it was just another group, like any other religious group but I attended their meetings anyways,” Hoffman says.
“Every person has to dig for and find their own truth rather than looking for a pre-determined one,” is the first sentence that draws David towards this religion. “In an extraordinary way,” Hoffman says, “I converted to Baha’ism after six months and I have stayed one for over thirty years now.”
Hoffman studies film at USC, marries an Iranian woman and ends up in South Carolina where he becomes a successful developer. In 2006, at age 50, he sells his business, semi-retires and starts campaigning to save Baha’is that are persecuted in Iran. He starts a project called Angels of Iran to raise awareness in the world regarding the brutal oppression of the Bahia’s in Iran, including the denial of their right to education in their own country. Baha’is have been “subject to torture, arrest and execution for refusing to recant their beliefs,” Education Under Fire announces which is a documentary co-sponsored by the Amnesty International and portrays a persecution that has been going on for 170 years now.

Soraya Fallah

“For Kurdistan,” is a section of Education under Fire that recounts the story of Soraya Fallah, a Kurdish human right activist who is detained four times in Iran and tortured even when she is pregnant. Inevitably, her child dies in her womb.
Hoffman says that he has always been aware of the persecution of the Kurds; he believes what both groups have in common is that their very ethnicity and religion are criminalized in Iran. Even if they aren’t activist or writers, even when they do not express their identity, they are denounced, demonized, persecuted.
Hoffman who is thinking of creating another project to bring more people together says: “When people are busy with their own issues, the differences with other groups become bigger and create obstacles. When people come together for a cause, to further humanity, they automatically become united because they will discover similarities. We all need to be protected and have the desire to protect others; when we unite, we are powerful, humane and happy.”
Hoffman adds that a form of resistance Baha’is thought of has been creating an Institution for Higher Educations. This is, he believes, a much more positive and influential protest and empowerment than taking to the streets or taking up arms. Hoffman warns minorities from allowing to be turned into “victims.” Instead, we should prove our resilience and find the smartest and the most effective ways to strengthen our people and follow our cause.
Copyright © 2012 Kurdistantribune.com
http://kurdistantribune.com/2012/minorities-of-world-unite/

Women, Climate Change and Human Rights: First Annual Assembly

08December

Tomorrow, December 8, 2012, 11:00 am

606 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA | Get Directions » 
$35.00 

Join us for a dynamic afternoon full of speakers, green community vendors, musis, organic food, artists, and activists!!

The First Annual Special Assembly will feature a panel discussion with experts from the fields of academia, politics and activism. The following topics will be addressed: how and why women are most severely affected by climate change and natural disasters, the impact under-representation has on women and decision-making processes, identification of gender sensitive strategies and affective actions in response to climate change.
Local sustainable businesses, community groups and non-profits, who are dedicated to sustainability and minimizing the impact of climate change on women, will showcase their products and ideas.  Delicious, healthy, organic food selections from premier local vegetarian, vegan and slow food restaurants will be served (bring your own utensils.) The shared meal will provide an opportunity to discuss how food fits in our discussion of women, climate change and human rights.
Participants attending this event will be able to connect with leading researchers, experts and activists in the fields of climate change and human rights.  Attendants will leave with an awareness of global conditions and will be inspired to take action locally.

 Comment 

Event Details

Posted by: UN Women LA

Where	606 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Next on	December 8, 2012
Time	11:00 am–3:00 pm
Who to bring	Everyone
Website	http://­unwla­specialassembly.­wordpress.­com/­category/­climate-­change/­
Email	rsvpu­nwomenla@­gmail.­com
Price	General Admission: $35 Donation
Tickets	Buy Tickets

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Short report on seminar in Sweden/Uppsala Institutions of power and Violence against Women

Short report on seminar in Sweden/Uppsala Institutions of power and Violence against Women

VOKRadio

On Saturday, Nov 17 Association of Kurdish women in Uppsala organized a seminar in NBV Uppsala, in Sweden;  This program was in observation of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November). KAWU is a non profit organization based in Sweden for advancement of women’s right, working against violence, and helping women refugees to integrate to society. This organization invited many writers, activist and researcher to bring about women’s psychologically issues or cultural problems.

This year Kurdish Association of Women in Uppsala invited Soraya Fallah Human Rights activist, researcher, writer, and Recipient of global human rights to speak on Violence against women and institutions of power.

Many people including members of different women organizations and individuals presented and AsoSat and VokRadio, and Feminist tribune were presented as media.

Member of the organizing committee of KAWU Nahid Mokri introduced the speaker with a short bio about her and Golnar Ghobadi president of KAWU talked about activities of the organization.

In 3 hours program Soraya talked about the day of elimination of violence, institutions of power in middle east and the countries that Kurdish women resides in, including governments, family, religion and corporations. She supplemented her speech with short films and analyzing them related to her talk. Participants got some time to speak and ask questions