By Micah Halpern
I've Been Thinking:
This story almost sounds like it is made up. But it is not made up and it touches on an essential difference between Iran and Israel.
A 30 year old, gay, Iranian, poet named Payam Feili escaped Iran and is now in Israel - where he wants to stay. Feili is the author of nine books and many other works including a novella which was made into a play and is now being performed in Tel Aviv. It is entitled "I Will Grow I Will Bear Fruit ...Figs."
Feili came to Tel Aviv to see his play performed.
Iranian police arrested Feili three times over four years. His charge for most of the arrests was being gay. He fled Iran because, he said, it was too much. During his last arrest, Feili was held for 44 days without being charged. He was blindfolded and kept in a shipping container. The reason for that arrest was agreeing to have his book translated into Hebrew and sold in Israel.
Human rights groups say that over the last few years, 4,000 people have been executed in Iran for being gay.
Feili has been fascinated by Israel since he was a little kid.
Tel Aviv is a very open city and is one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world. It is constantly garnering top positions as a popular Mecca for gay culture
Feili is happy to be in Israel and during an interview he said: "All the stupid and ridiculous threats the regime issues against Israel have never influenced me and will never influence me."
Iran and Israel are arch enemies. Iran has pledged to wipe Israel off the map and Iranian leaders often call Israel a cancer.
Feili is proving a point. He escaped the restrictions and rigidity and oppression of Iran and is seeking refuge and freedom to be who he is, in Israel.
This is one of those great stories where evil is evil and good is good.
Micah@micahHalpern.com
Read my latest book THUGS. It's easy. Just click.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=halpern%2C+micah
To reprint my essays contact sales (at) www.featurewell.com
No comments:
Post a Comment