Dear Editor,
As an Iranian-Canadian living in Terrace, I would like to share and acknowledge the profound suffering that many families in Iran are experiencing. Over the past weeks, independent reports have documented severe violence and widespread repression affecting ordinary people, young and old alike.
These events are not widely understood here and deserve quiet recognition. I am not asking for political action, but simply for a moment of thought, conversation, or prayer for those whose voices are difficult to hear under current conditions.
In recent weeks, the situation inside Iran has continued to worsen amid rising regional tensions. International human rights organizations and independent observers report ongoing civilian harm, arrests, and loss of life. At the same time, restrictions on internet access, messaging platforms, and phone communication have made it increasingly difficult for information to circulate and for families inside and outside Iran to remain connected.
Combined with an expanded foreign military presence in the Persian Gulf, these conditions have contributed to widespread uncertainty and fear. For many in the Iranian diaspora, including myself, this is deeply personal, involving loved ones and a constant sense of worry.
My hope in writing is to humanize these realities and encourage compassion and awareness. Just as this community has stood together in compassion for people facing oppression elsewhere, we can also hold space for these human lives and their families.
Sincerely,
Sudy Ghavidel Iranian-Canadian Resident Terrace, B.C.
A Community in Silence
Ms. Ghavidel’s letter arrives as global monitors report a “near-total digital isolation” within Iran, making it nearly impossible for many in the Skeena region to confirm the safety of their relatives. According to federal data, the Canadian government has extended special temporary resident measures until February 28, 2026, to support Iranian nationals currently in Canada who fear returning home during the current unrest.
