Dear EWC President Morrison,
I received your message regarding the disaster in Fukushima, Japan. I have a proposal to the EWC Family, which I was hoping could be circulated through the EWC website or any other means you find more appropriate.
My proposal is as follows:
I’m sure that Japan will stand up again and that its streets will be filled with the sound of children playing. This has been proven by the history of this land.
But today Japan is in pain: houses have been demolished and parents have been mourning their loss. It is also troubling that the potential threat of a radioactive leakage from the reactors of Fukushima has made the aid to Japan more difficult and it might become another catastrophe in itself.
In Iran it is Nowrouz, which is the celebration of New Year and everybody is happy. However ,the tragedy in Japan brings much pain to our hearts, which is explained best by the great Iranian poet Saadi:
Human beings are members of a whole,
In creation of one essence and soul.
If one member is afflicted with pain,
Other members uneasy will remain.
If you have no sympathy for human pain,
The name of human you cannot retain.
I think now that helping the people of Fukushima would show our humanity. With sympathy and a little sacrifice we can practically help Japan. Consider the fact that if we were in their place, we wouldn’t want to feel alone.
With regards,
Reza Zandi
2009 EWC Senior Journalists Seminars Participant
Note from the EWCA Blog Editor: EWC President Morrison released an official message at the EWC website on the crisis in Japan. Find the full message here. Here is an excerpt from this message:
We hope that the international community can effectively help local citizens and authorities in the recovery and rebuilding efforts. We encourage everyone to consider contributing to one of the following organizations dedicated to the relief effort in Japan:
The East-West Center Association Blog 