LEGISLATION COMMEMORATING THE IRANIAN NEW YEAR INTRODUCED IN CONGRESS

WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, Representative Zoe Lofgren (CA-19) introduced legislation in honor of the Iranian New Year into the Congress. The resolution recognizes the cultural and historical significance of Nowruz and wishes Iranian Americans, the people of Iran, and all those who celebrate the holiday a prosperous new year.

In addition to commemorating the Nowruz holiday, the resolution acknowledges the “lasting contributions” of Persian civilization to the world and the “noteworthy” impact Iranian Americans have had to the social and economic fabric of America. The resolution also underscores the importance of human rights and religious tolerance not just for the people of Iran, but for people everywhere, and supports the democratic aspirations of the Iranian people.

“By embracing the spirit of Nowruz, the resolution sends a timely and powerful gesture of goodwill to the Iranian people,” said Leila Austin, Executive Director of PAAIA.  “Iran is unique in the Middle East in that the majority of the Iranian population maintains a favorable disposition toward America and its values. Measures such as this cultivate constructive engagement with the Iranian people and serve U.S. national interests.”

This year’s Nowruz resolution marks the third-time legislation has been introduced in support of the Persian New Year.  During the 111^th and 114^thCongress, PAAIA worked with Representative Michael Honda (CA-17^th) to mark congressional recognition of the Holiday.

Original cosponsors include Representatives Adam Smith (WA-9^th), Carolyn Maloney (NY-12^th), Gerald Connolly (VA-11^th), Luis Gutierrez (IL-4^th) , Jared Huffman (CA-2^nd), Alan Lowenthal (CA-47^th), Jackie Speier (CA-14^th), and Tony Cardenas (CA-29^th).

Click here to read the resolution.

Take Action Today!  Given our nation’s current hostile political climate, it’s more important now than ever to foster greater understanding of the Iranian culture and heritage as well as projecting an accurate and positive image of the Iranian American community.