JAMnesty Fundraiser for Iranian Women's Rights
Want to join me in making a difference? I'm a member of Lake Forest Academy's Chapter of Amnesty International and we are planning a school-wide music festival, called JAMnesty, to raise money for Iranian women who've been deprived of their right to protest and make free choices. If we can reach our fundraising goal of $10,000, Amnesty has agreed to direct our funds specifically toward the human rights violations currently occurring in Iran. To do that, we need your help.
On September 13th, 2022, a 22-year-old woman named Mahsa Amini was arrested by Iran's "morality police." On September 16th, she died. Amini was initially arrested for what was described as an improper hijab, and the authorities told her brother that she would be taken to an "educational and orientation class." However, while Amini's brother was waiting for her outside the police headquarters, he and others heard screaming. A few women proceeded to leave the building and tell him, " they killed someone in there." Two hours later, Amini was taken to a hospital where she passed away. Though the Iranian police claim she died of a heart attack, witnesses point to excessive force and cruel punishment by the Iranian authorities as her cause of death.
Outraged by the Iranian government's misuse of power, men and women alike have flooded the streets of Iran in protest over the past few months. Here, it is important to note that the individuals are not protesting against Islam or the Hijab, neither of which are repressive, but rather condemning Iran's violent political regime and the use of torture to punish women.
As of January, the Iranian authorities have killed over 500 individuals involved in the protests. We mourn the loss of those men, women, and children; of Mahsa Amini; and the countless individuals like her. We emphasize that this event and our fundraiser should not be wielded to further Islamophobia for it is not the religion nor the act of veiling which has harmed people, but the Iranian government.
In an attempt to end the injustice and bloodshed in Iran, we will be donating to Amnesty International – a global movement of more than 7 million people who take injustice personally. Amnesty works to protect people wherever justice, freedom, truth, and dignity are denied. Currently the world's largest grassroots human rights organization, they investigate and expose abuses, educate and mobilize the public, and help transform societies to create a safer, more just world. Amnesty will be directing the funds we raise toward their efforts in Iran.
We appreciate all of your contributions in advance! And a huge thank you to Khanh Phan '23 for designing our logo!
LFA Amnesty Int'l Leaders
Saanvi Malkani, Ambika Gupta, Madison Rosen, Dayla Rosen, Ned Koh