Warmest Wishes for the Season

Warmest Wishes for Peace and Happiness

The year 2009 has been both an exciting and a difficult and painful one for many who read these pages. The excitement comes with the thoughts of a new Iran. Liberty, freedom and democracy for Iran has been on the lips of people all over the world. Difficulty and pain comes when a people whose only hope is that they can be free to make their own decisions about their country are beaten, arrested and murdered by their own government.

The hearts of people the world over have been inspired to help one another, to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters, to fight for the futures of children the world over – from Darfur to Somalia, from Afghanistan to Haiti. For what child does not have the right to decent food, a warm bed in which to sleep, an education and freedom from fear of execution, which for many, occurs before their twentieth year? What child does not have the right to a bright future, filled with hope?

At this holiday season, we often hear the phrase “Peace on earth, goodwill to all men”. When we hear it, we think of brotherhood, the love of all people, no matter what color or creed. We envision a world where peace is universal – where there is no need for human rights organizations because we have helped create a just and humane world where peace and prosperity extends to all. And so we dedicate our lives to the work of bringing peace on earth and goodwill to men, women and children throughout the world. We ask that you join us in this endeavor, whether in action, thought or prayer.

Our wish for you is that peace will reign in your heart, that the love of your fellow man is reflected in all that you do. We sincerely wish that your year will be filled with happiness, prosperity and a sense of unity with mankind. For what ever we believe in, whether we are Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Baha´i, Buddhist, Atheist or call ourselves by no name at all, there is one force above any other binding us and our future together – we are members of the family of mankind. Let us throw the doors open wide and celebrate each other, in all of our diversity, for we are all, no matter what our sectarian or ethnic group, brothers and sisters. Let us throw away that which separates us. Let the innocence of our children, who know no differences until they are taught otherwise, be our guide. Let us learn that we are one and we are destined to love and care for one another.

We are the World. We are the Children.