Over the Jan 23-24 weekend, dozens of cities came together to commemorate what would have been Neda Agha-Soltan’s 27th birthday. Individuals made and uploaded video slide-shows, organizations held candlelight vigils, and many of us mourned, not just for Neda, but also for all the other activists, students, academics, and minorities who have lost their lives. Below is a video and it’s translation from what is (reported to be) the city of Ahwaz, where this past weekend a group gathered on a roof to commemorate Neda’s birthday. Sounding behind them are the reverberations of Friday prayer. Twenty-seven green & white balloons are released into the sky, and the camera holds the frame until the balloons disappeared, and at least for me, dissipating into a familiar ache. And as we remember, mourn, and ache for those gone, we must also celebrate and support those in Iran, who despite risking their own lives, continue to push forward to secure themselves basic human & civil rights.
Video Translation Tonight is the 27th birthday of Neda Agha-Soltan, the Iranian voice of freedom for Iran. In honor of great Neda, we are sending 27 green balloons to the sky in order to hear the voice of freedom from all the roofs of the People of Iran. May you forever be alive, Neda.
Click here to see pictures & videos from events worldwide commemorating Neda’s birthday.