by, Shahbod Noori
These days, it is difficult to find an Iranian living abroad whose heart is not with Iran. From Los Angeles and Toronto to London, Paris, Berlin, and Sydney, millions of Iranians anxiously follow the news, worried about parents, children, brothers, sisters, and friends who remain in their homeland.
The Iranian community abroad has once again demonstrated its deep connection to Iran. Many cultural events, celebrations, concerts, and social gatherings have been postponed or canceled out of respect for those who have lost their lives and for families suffering through difficult times. This solidarity is admirable and reflects the enduring bond that connects Iranians across the world.
At the same time, however, there is an important point that deserves careful consideration.
Supporting the people of Iran and opposing the policies of the Islamic Republic should not mean bringing our lives and communities to a standstill.
For decades, the people of Iran have paid a tremendous price. Families have lost loved ones. Many have endured imprisonment, economic hardship, political pressure, and uncertainty about the future. Yet despite these challenges, the people of Iran have continued to work, study, raise families, build businesses, and move forward with determination.
That lesson should not be forgotten by Iranians living abroad.
When a concert is held, when a restaurant remains open, when a cultural center hosts an event, or when an Iranian-owned business continues operating, it does not mean that people are indifferent to the suffering inside Iran. On the contrary, maintaining a vibrant Iranian community abroad is one of the most important ways to preserve our identity, strength, and influence.
Behind every concert, every cultural event, and every restaurant are dozens of hardworking individuals. There are technicians, photographers, security personnel, drivers, office staff, caterers, musicians, and countless others who depend on these activities for their livelihood.
Calls for widespread cancellations may be well-intentioned, but they also affect ordinary people who are simply trying to support their families.
What is gained if the Iranian community abroad comes to a halt?
The strength of a community is measured by its ability to continue moving forward during difficult times.
History offers many examples. After the tragic terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, New York City was shaken with grief. Thousands of lives had been lost, and the nation was in mourning. Yet city leaders urged people to return to work, support local businesses, visit restaurants, and continue participating in public life.
The message was clear: fear and tragedy should not be allowed to paralyze society.
New York endured. It recovered. Life continued.
Today, Iranian communities around the world face a similar challenge.
We can mourn those who have been lost while continuing to build our future.
We can express solidarity with the people of Iran while keeping our communities strong.
We can support human rights, raise awareness, assist victims, and advocate for freedom without shutting down the economic and cultural institutions that thousands of Iranian families depend upon.
True solidarity is not always demonstrated by turning off the lights. Sometimes it is demonstrated by keeping them on.
Today, more than ever, we need unity, wisdom, resilience, and hope. The Iranian community abroad should continue to stand with the people of Iran, amplify their voices, and support their aspirations for freedom and dignity.
At the same time, we must not allow grief to destroy the achievements that generations of Iranians have built through hard work and perseverance.
Let us honor those who suffer by remaining strong.
Let us transform our sorrow into purpose.
And let us remember that the future of Iran will depend not only on those who endure hardship inside the country, but also on those who continue building strong and successful communities abroad.