Issue 7

 Tara Oskooei
 Finance and Economy Student at the University of Toronto

There has been a “buzz” for sometime now within our community concerning a very hopeful project known as: House of Iran.  This is, in fact, a serious prospect that could shape the future for Iranians across the GTA, and even as far across as the nation.  Our very own Sunday morning televised broadcast, “Shahre-Ma T.V.” has aired its own segments on the project in an effort to spark awareness within the Iranian community and to progressively move forward with the project.  So what is “House of Iran?”  This all- encompassing facility is to represent our very first Iranian community center—but it is to serve as much more than a monument or symbol.

The House of Iran community center is a roof under which Iranians from across all walks of life can gather and unite in an establishment wherein cultural exchanges in the arts, music, languages, and athletics can be made.  It is a place where the doors will always be open to new ideas, and where teaching of our traditions to various other cultures is encouraged.  It is a place where the elders are encouraged to become apart of the future that our Iranian youth will help shape across Toronto, Ontario, and ultimately the nation.  

Why so much hope instilled in this initiative?  Because the very future of Iranians depends on it.  It is time now, and to some long overdue, for Iranians to organize collectively and proactively under a common roof.  This is the way to prosper and grow our community.  One such use of our community center is a roof under which we can organize the annual Bazar-e-Noruz.  Rather than being spread across various banquet halls, the House of Iran community center will serve to shelter all of our annual New Year’s festivities.  There can now be at least one address at which Iranians know for certain they can find Farsi classes or child day-care services for their children.  A place where newly immigrated Iranians can seek out English classes so as to ease the transition as they settle into a new country and begin to contribute to the Canadian economy.  A place where Iranians from all walks of life can have a sense of belonging and security as they proudly continue to hold being Iranian in high esteem within this great country of Canada.  This is what a community center should be about.  This is what the House of Iran can become.

As long as we keep such expectations for our community center in our minds, then we are well on our way to success.  Mentioned so far does not serve as a foolproof plan, but rather as a foundation onto which Iranians are meant to unite, collaborate and improve upon.  Mentioned so far serves as a mere base onto which both the adult and youth of our community may later stand together in awe of what they united to build.

It is only fair to mention that this project can be taken from the hands of the Iranian public and placed into the hands of those with the most financial means.  Should we worry?  No.  So long as the Iranian community demonstrates the will to keep this project in the hands of the Iranian public, little can be done behind closed doors.  Of course, there will always be some with more financial means than others.  But let them contribute.  This does not, however, entitle them to greater say or greater “shares” in the project.  We must openly accept contributions from all who are willing and able to contribute—be it $1.00 or $100,000.  Only, we must remember that this project is for the Iranian peoples and decisions will be taken by the Iranian peoples—irrespective of their financial power.  Let us commit to this project from the start and keep only the best interests of our youth in mind for them now and for generations to come.  Above all, for this project to succeed, before any blueprints, drafts, or architects we must first as Iranians have a common picture planted in our minds:  House of Iran.