ICC Response to Prime Minister's Nowruz Greeting Video

Right Honourable Steven Harper
Prime Minister of Canada
Office of the Prime Minister 80 Wellington Street Ottawa, ON K1A 0A2

Dear Prime Minister Harper,

On behalf of the Iranian Canadian Congress, I write with great appreciation to thank you for your warm Nowruz greeting and for acknowledging the Iranian Canadian community's concern in regards to the error by a member of the government in reference to Persian Gulf. Prime Minister, Iranians from regardless of their political ideologies and ethnicities are traditionally very sensitive over the historical name of the waterway known as Persian Gulf, and as such we would like to express our profound gratitude to you for taking time to address our community's concern.

Sincerely yours,

Dr. Farrokh zandi
President
Iranian Canadian Congress

The Honourable John Baird, P.C., M.P.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs

On behalf of the Board of the Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC) I am writing to express our concern about your reference to Persian Gulf as Arabian Gulf in your speech to the US Chamber of Commerce on January 16, 2014.

Minister Baird, the term Arabian Gulf is historically incorrect, politically charged, and ethnically divisive. The term "Arabian Gulf" was originally devised to create division between Arabs and non-Arabs in the Middle East by Pan-Arabism movements approximately fifty years ago.  It has since been used as a propaganda tool to foster dissension and instability within the region.  Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein employed the term to legitimize his territorial ambitions and generate discord among Arabs and Iranians in the Middle East.  And Osama Bin Laden and other al Qaeda figures have used it to appeal for their cause and exploit potential ethnic divisions.

It is a proven scholarly fact that the name of the Persian Gulf for the body of water between the Iranian plateau and the Arabian Peninsula is a genuine name, with historical roots. The Persian Gulf has been known and recognized as such for more than 2,500 years, and official legal judgments from the United Nations have codified its use internationally. In 550 B.C., the Achaemenid Empire established the first Persian Empire in Pars (Persis, or modern Fars) in the southwestern region of the Iranian plateau. Consequently in the Greek sources, the body of water that bordered this province came to be known as the Persian Gulf.  And in the United States, Persian Gulf has been the correct term used by the State Department's Board of Geographical Names in 1917.

Minister Baird, Canadians of Iranian origin regard the Government of Canada a genuine friend of the people of Iran. And the ICC, as the sole elected representative body within the community, extends its sincere appreciation to the Government of Canada for its genuine interest in the input of the Iranian-Canadian community as well as its leadership role in supporting the people of Iran.  Furthermore, the ICC acknowledges and the Minister’s recent tweet calling for the release of Heshmat Tabarzadi and other Iranian prisoners and on behalf of its members expresses its profound thanks.

However, emotions always run high among Iranians when it comes to Iran’s territorial integrity, history, culture and civilization. Iranians revere their Persian heritage and culture. Their culture has outlasted Alexander the Great, the Muslims, and the Mongols and other invaders. Even though the ICC believes the utterance of the “Arabian Gulf” was probably intended to get a rise out of the ruling mullahs, with whom no free-minded Iranian wish to be identified, it was an unfortunate remark.

Minister Baird, we Iranian-Canadians passionately love both our mother land and our adopted home Canada that has welcomed and treated us with dignity and respect. Our faith in the constitution of this great land and in its democratic political system have long led us to believe that the government of Canada will continue to stay on the right side of history and will correct the record and provide clear guidance that "Persian Gulf" remains the correct and officially sanctioned term for Government of Canada.

 Yours sincerely,
Dr. Farrokh Zandi
President
Iranian Canadian Congress

Dear Friends,

The Iranian Canadian Congress would like to wish you and your loved ones a Happy New Year! We hope your 2014 is filled with continued good health, success, and joy.

Last month, the ICC was pleased to host it's second Forum, titled "Iranian Canadian Candidates Meet & Greet." The event was well received by attendees and it was confirmed that the ICC would host additional Candidate Meet & Greet Forums in 2014. 

We are also pleased to announce that the ICCs 2014 Achievement Awards Gala will take place on Friday, April 25th. Please mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details on what will be a night to remember!

Until then, we remain committed to serving your needs. Feel free to contact us to find out how you can get involved with the ICC and how we can serve you better.

Sincerely,

Iranian Canadian Congress 

The Iranian Canadian Congress expresses its deepest sympathies to the Moridi family for the loss of their beloved son, Mahyar Moridi.

October 23, 2013

On Wednesday, October 16th, the Iranian Canadian Congress ("ICC") hosted a Community Roundtable with over 30 leaders of various community associations to provide updates on the ICC's 2013 strategic plans that included its plan of spreading the ICC nationally to other Canada's major cities such as Vancouver as well as to discuss the upcoming Liberal nomination in the riding of Willowdale.

The three present Willowdale candidates, Ms. Lily Pourzand, Mr. Ali Ehsassi and Mr. David Mousavi, introduced themselves to the Roundtable and stated their election platform. Mr. Jowhari's bio, another Iranian candidate in the upcoming federal election who could not be available, was read out by Mr. Missaghi. Mr. Ali Ghiasi, another possible candidate in the upcoming federal election also introduced himself to the Roundtable. The key campaign points which appeared to be shared by all candidate included the current government immigration process, youth unemployment, university tuition fees. The Roundtable then made several suggestions as to how to help the candidates and specifically how to resolve the apparent conflict in the candidacy of three Iranian candidates from the same riding. While there were some diverse opinions, the collective wisdom was that all candidates stay in the race and the community throw its support behind all three candidates to avoid the potential vote splitting. It was also suggested that the candidates be provided with further opportunities, including those to be organized by the ICC, to debate their positions.

This ICC's initiative which for the first time brought together such a large number of community activists as well as the leaders of community organizations is viewed to have started a dialogue between the candidates themselves as well as between the candidates and the Iranian community at large that is promising to shape up the role of Iranian Canadians in the political landscape of Canada. The ICC wishes all three candidates success and thanks the various community leaders that attended to share their wisdom and guidance.

Sincerely,

Dr. Farrokh Zandi
President
Iranian Canadian Congress

Dear Members,

The Board of Directors is pleased to announce the launch of ICC committee groups. We have selected four to develop this year and plan to add more in the long term. We kindly encourage your involvement and participation in further developing and strengthening our community by joining a committee. 

Once you have reviewed the information below please inform the Board of the committee and/or sub group you wish to register with. We are also available to respond to your questions and comments. 

Committee: Policy and Planning 
1) Sub Groups 
i) Structural and organization development 
ii) Bylaw revisions 
iii) National infrastructure development 

Committee: Public Relations
2) Sub Groups 
i) Marketing and Communications 
ii) Social Media

Committee: Community Development
3) Sub Groups 
i) Relationship building
ii) Round Tables
iii) Forum Series

Committee: Fundraising/Grants 
4) Sub Groups 
i) Annual fundraising Goals/Donations
ii) Grant Writing

AUGUST 4, 2013 

The Iranian Canadian Congress held its inaugural forum titled, “A Celebration of Our Diversity” on Sunday, July 28, 2013 at the North York Civic Centre’s Member’s Lounge.

The public forum, part of ICC’s Forum Series initiative, was a free event and featured special guest speakers invited to share their unique experiences as Iranian Canadians. The forum, moderated by ICC's Vice President David Mousavi, had more than 30 participants-- including dignitary speakers Costas Menegakis, MP Richmond Hill, and Reza Moridi, MPP Richmond Hill and Ontario’s Minister of Research and Innovation. Mr. Menegakis, also a member of the Greek Canadian community, applauded the ICC for hosting a discussion on diversity and opening a Forum Series where individuals may talk openly about complex issues affecting their community.

*Mehrnoush Ahmadi, an active member of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community, shared her experiences living in three different countries, Iran, Switzerland, and Canada and juxtaposed their educational systems and the social interactions among people in these societies.

Tina Binesh, a successful university student, shared her experiences as a child raised and educated in Iran and her transition from the grade 10 year to the Canadian education system. Ms. Binesh emphasized the importance of mentoring for students and mentioned the names of individuals who have assisted and guided her throughout her studies.

Peyvand Mossavat, a former professional soccer player and top Ontario soccer coach, shared his personal story as a black Iranian Canadian. Mr. Mossavat explained the positive effects of a diverse society and compared the different perceptions of the concept of diversity in Iran and Canada. He noted that the Iranian Canadian community should embrace the diversity within it and utilize it in positive ways on a global platform. Additionally, Mr. Mossavat suggested proactive tips on how to engage Iranian Canadian youth in our community.

Following the talks participants enjoyed beverages and pastries and had the opportunity to mingle with one another.

The key message throughout the discussions was the importance of dialogue and information sharing in developing and strengthening our community. The ICC believes opportunities which allow individuals to share their personal stories will expose unique perspectives and help future generations understand the diversity that exists in our community. 
 

The next Forum will take place this fall. We look forward to see you there!

Board of Directors

Iranian Canadian Congress 

*Samira Mohyeddin, restaurateur, actor, and writer, was set to speak at the series but was unable to attend due to an emergency. Ms. Mohyeddin plans to join the ICC as a guest speaker for an upcoming forum. 

July 14, 2013

July 11, 2013 marked ten years since the death of Canadian photojournalist, Zahra "Ziba" Kazemi, in her native homeland of Iran.  This incident made international headlines due to the circumstances leading up to her death and the diplomatic tensions that arose when Canada's attempts to advocate on her behalf were met with refusals by the Islamic Republic of Iran to acknowledge her Canadian citizenship.

Since then, evidence has come to light that Ms. Kazemi was the victim of murder. Her family has initiated proceedings in Canadian courts to pursue legal action against the Islamic Republic of Iran in order to achieve justice for her death.   In early December of this year, the Supreme Court of Canada will hear arguments on whether Canadians will have the right to hold foreign countries accountable for crimes committed against Canadian citizens while abroad.

As this will be a historical legal development in Canada, the ICC will keep you updated on the topic and, following the hearings, will host a Forum comprised of a panel of legal experts to provide analysis about the arguments made and the importance of the case.

Until then, we wish the Kazemi Family all the best in what has certainly been difficult times and hope they may obtain the justice they so rightly deserve.

For more information on Zahra Kazemi, please visit the Ziba Kazemi Foundation online.

Sincerely,

Dr Farrokh Zandi,
President
Iranian Canadian Congress

July 11, 2013

Thursday, July 18, 2013 will mark the launch of another Tirgan, the world's largest Iranian festival.  This biennial occasion will be held at the Harbourfront Centre in Toronto until Sunday, July 21. Organizers forecast that Tirgan will attract more than one hundred thousand local and international patrons eager to celebrate Iranian culture and diversity through the arts.  The festival will feature various performances-- from symphonic renditions to dramatic performances-- and feature prominent guests, including Firouz Naderi, scientist and a director for NASA, and Anousheh Ansari, engineer and the first Iranian in space. Visit Tirgan's official website for more information on the festival. 

The Iranian Canadian Congress wishes to recognize the planning and management team of Tirgan. They serve as a testament to the spirit of teamwork and unity within our community. 

The ICC Board of Directors congratulates Tirgan's countless organizers and volunteers for their tireless efforts and also wishes festival goers a wonderful Tirgan!

Sincerely,

Dr. Farrokh Zandi
President
Iranian Canadian Congress

Dear Members,

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to extend well wishes to you and your family on this special Canada Day. 146 years ago today, founding First Nations, French, and English peoples came together in the spirit of partnership and unity. 

146 years later, that same partnership consists of countless communities, including our own, which have joined in with that spirit to build a model for humanity in the years to come.  Throughout the decades Canadian identity has extended beyond race and religion and includes other aspects of diversity, such as LGBT rights; these rights were celebrated in Toronto this weekend at Pride and commemorated in June on the 10th anniversary of Canada's first same-sex marriage.  Today, we reflect on and celebrate our adopted homeland. It has welcomed people from all around the world and provided an opportunity for a better life for us and our generations to come.  In return, we have integrated and strengthened Canada socially, politically and economically.  Most importantly, we have added another layer to Canada's beautiful multiculturalism and diversity. 

In this spirit, the Iranian Canadian Congress is pleased to announce its first Forum to be held on Sunday, July 28th titled, "Celebrating Iranian Canadian Diversity".  More details will follow soon. 

Until then, may you enjoy a safe and happy Canada Day.   

Sincerely, Dr Farrokh Zandi President  Iranian Canadian Congress
 

June 27, 2013

This is a friendly reminder that the ICC Bylaws will undergo revisions in the coming weeks by a members-only committee. The Board of Directors wishes to thank those who have so far expressed interest to join this committee.

ICC members who wish to get involved with the Bylaw Revisions Committee should contact the Board of Directors by July 1, 2013. You may send an email to info@iccongress.ca or leave us a voice message at (647) 429-1834.

We look forward to hear from you.

- Board of Directors
  Iranian Canadian Congress

June 20, 2013

The Iranian Canadian Congress wishes to recognize World Refugee Day, which is commemorated on the 20^th of June. Toronto is home to one of the largest Iranian communities outside Iran, and we have contributed greatly to Canadian society. Among our most successful members are people who arrived in Canada as refugees. 

It is important that the Iranian Canadian community recognizes World Refugee Day, in particular the struggle of Iranians who are currently seeking asylum or who have newly arrived to Canada. With the current political climate in the Middle East, the number of people seeking asylum from various countries has increased significantly. The results have been long line ups and waiting lists at United Nations headquarters. There are currently thousands of Iranians who are faced with great hardships in countries such as Turkey and Iraq as they anxiously await their chance of asylum. According to numerous asylum seekers, the average reported time on receiving a response from the UN may range from one to three years. Most often during this waiting time asylum seekers are not legally permitted to earn wages. 

On this important day, the ICC requests from Canadian authorities to treat Iranian refugee cases with increased sensitivity in order to reduce the number of Iranians facing the threat of deportation. With three Canadian residents currently imprisoned in Iran it is evident that it is impossible to determine with certainty which asylum seekers would be safe from persecution in Iran. It is always a dangerous risk for Iranians who have sought asylum on Canadian soil to be deported to Iran.

Sincereley,

Dr. Farrokh Zandi
President, 
Iranian Canadian Congress

June 14, 2013

The Iranian Canadian Congress welcomes Canada’s recent joint initiative with the Munk School, which provides Iranians a platform for dialogue engagement, and its stance on the Islamic Republic of Iran’s 2013 Presidential elections. In an official statement released yesterday, Foreign Affairs Minister, the Honourable John Baird encouraged the people of Iran to make their voices heard. “Whether Iranian voters confide to close friends, express their criticism of the election through satire, cast a protest vote, participate in an online virtual vote or boycott the election altogether, Canada commends the bravery of all those who express their desire for freedom,” he said.

The Canadian government and media have been calling on people in Iran and Iranian Canadians to make their voices heard regarding their take on today’s election.

 The ICC recognizes the Islamic Republic as a dictatorship regime and therefore considers the June 14 Presidential election in Iran undemocratic and unlawful. The regime’s denial of the Iranian people’s basic human rights and refusal to follow fair due process in its electoral or judicial system greatly concern the ICC. We wish the people of Iran one day gain their right to free and fair elections and enjoy basic freedoms that we are so blessed with in Canada.

Additionally, the ICC commends all members of Canada’s Parliament for their unanimous consent earlier this month to pass a motion recognizing the mass political executions carried out by the Islamic Republic of Iran in summer 1988. The motion-- which was jointly presented by Conservative MP James Bezan, NDP MP Paul Dewar and Liberal MP Irwin Cotler-- condemns the “mass murders as constituting crimes against humanity, honors the memory of the victims buried in mass graves at Khavaran cemetery and other locations in Iran, and establishes September 1^st as a day of solidarity with political prisoners in Iran.”

ICC calls on Canada to continue empowering the people of Iran in their struggle for democracy and also support peaceful initiatives that promote their basic human rights.

Sincerely,

Dr. Farrokh Zandi
President
Iranian Canadian Congress

June 6, 2013

Since the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on May 5, 2013, the Board of Directors has been planning ICC's strategic objectives for the 2013/2014 year. We are pleased to announce the following initiatives:

1. Bylaw Revisions

a) As announced at the AGM, the ICC Bylaws will undergo revisions. A committee, consisting of ICC members and various stakeholders, will be established in the coming weeks to draft the first official copy of the revised Bylaws. Should ICC members want to be part of the Bylaws committee, please look out for an upcoming announcement with further instructions on how you may get involved, or please let us know you are interested by emailing us here: info@iccongress.ca

2. Forum Series

b) The ICC is excited to announce that it will be hosting a series of forums dedicated to creating dialogue among members of the community regarding pertinent issues that affect us. The ICC hopes to bring together prominent speakers and special guests to share their experiences and knowledge with community members who seek to learn, share stories and engage in dialogue with each other. Details of each event will be announced throughout the year.

3. Community Development

c) ICC understands the importance of developing strong relationships within the Iranian community in the Greater Toronto Area. We are currently in the process of forming a special committee in order to build new connections with members and groups of the community through dialogue and information sharing. The Committee will also continue to engage in and strengthen relationships that the ICC has established throughout the years. Our aim is to acquire new skills and resources to better serve a broader range of issues affecting us. To volunteer with the Community Development team please contact us at:info@iccongress.ca

4. Building a National Infrastructure

d) Since its foundation the ICC has been envisioned as a national organization. Throughout the year the Board of Directors will work on developing its connections with Iranian Canadian community representatives from major cities across the country. The ICC wishes to develop lasting relationships with representatives of the Iranian Canadian community in order to increase its capabilities, resources, and membership base. By expanding its network, the ICC has the potential to become a stronger voice for the community overall.

In addition to the objectives identified above, the ICC will work on organizing events and gatherings throughout the year-- some of which will help explore and promote the artistic and cultural components of our community. When the operational phases begin, we will release a general announcement requesting the involvement of our members in various committees the Board of Directors plans to establish. We look forward to your participation.

Please feel welcome to email us with additional suggestions on how you may offer your time and support to the ICC: info@iccongress.ca.

Click here for more Information on our current nine-member Board of Directors.

On an additional note, there was a delay in announcing ICC’s annual objectives due to technical difficulties we were experiencing with our site and email accounts. We are happy to announce that the issues have been resolved and our email accounts and site are back in operational order. Thank you for your patience during this process.

The ICC is committed to further strengthening our community. We look forward to your continued help and support in order to make the year ahead a prosperous one. 

We are fortunate to be living in Canada, a country where our rights are protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.  The ICC hopes that the rights and protections that the Charter provides to all Canadian citizens are soon afforded to our friends and loved ones back in Iran, and that those who violate such rights are soon brought to justice. We will continue to work to ensure that the Government of Canada continues to speak out in favour of democracy, human rights, and freedom in Iran.

The Iranian Canadian Congress ("ICC") today announced the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors ("Board"). The three new Board members -- Ms. Mahsa Pezeshki, Mr. Michael Parsa, and Ms. Sarah Takhsha -- bring tremendous energy, vision, and experience and will contribute significantly to the ICC's goal of promoting and protecting the rights of Iranian-Canadians and encouraging the community's participation in Canadian society. 

The ICC bylaws require that a new Board member be appointed in the event of the death, resignation, or termination of members. The new Board members have been appointed pursuant to that requirement and will serve until the next ICC annual general meeting, at which time they may choose to seek an elected seat. Biographies of the three new Board members are below.

Mahsa Pezeshki is a corporate law clerk at a major Canadian law firm in Toronto/Markham. She was born and raised in Tehran and moved to Toronto in 2002. She holds a B.A. from the University of Toronto. Ms. Pezeshki's area of practice as a law clerk is corporate governance for non-profit corporations and registered charities. In the past few years Mahsa has been involved with a number of Iranian-Canadian organizations and events in Toronto. She has also worked with non-Iranian non-profit organizations in Toronto as a volunteer on human rights, social and civil issues.

Michael Parsa has been involved in his family business since 1980s after arriving in Canada with his family. Mr. Parsa has been involved with the Federal Conservative Party since 1993 and served as the past President of the Richmond Hill Electoral District Association from 2003 to 2010. He also served as the President of the Optimist Club of Richmond Hill from 2007 to 2010, helping youth in all areas of life. Michael is currently serving as the President of the Toronto Kodiaks Football Club. He holds a B.A in Business Management.

Sarah Takhsha was born and raised in Iran and is a proud mother of two children. Ms. Takhsha studied at the Institute of Technology in Ahvaz in Iran, where she obtained a Civil Engineering Technician degree in 1978 and worked at the oil company of Iran for eight years. She left Iran for Germany in 1983 and attended the University of Bonn. She arrived in Canada in 1989. She currently works as judicial administrative assistant to six judges at Ontario's Ministry of the Attorney General. Sarah has been active in humanitarian causes, most notably, with the Heart and Stroke Foundation and with various charities involved in relief efforts for Iranian citizens and refugees. Ms. Takhsha is an active member of her local community as well as the Iranian-Canadian community, participating in political campaigns and groups that focus on Iranian humanitarian issues.