A Conversation with Olya

Olya Roohizadegan was arrested in Shiraz, Iran simply for being a Baha'i. She was imprisoned with ten other Baha'i women -- all of whom were executed on June 18th, 1983. Since her release forty years ago, she has dedicated herself to telling their story.
Donna is a young Baha'i who has lived in the same community as Olya since her childhood. In this video, she converses with Olya in English and Persian and learns about Olya's early years in Iran, how she became a Baha'i, the persecution she suffered because of her beliefs, her time in prison, and the courage and steadfastness of the women who were executed.
We would like to share this video as part of the #OurStoryIsOne awareness campaign. This campaign was spearheaded by the Baha’i International Community in honour of the execution of ten Baha’i women in Shiraz, as well as the long struggle for gender equality lived by women of all faiths and backgrounds in Iran for many decades and which continues to this day.
More details can be found in the memoir Olya's Story: A Survivor’s Dramatic Account of the Persecution of Baha’is in Revolutionary Iran, which can be purchased from a variety of book retailers including bahaibooks.com...
With special thanks to Devina for filming this special conversation.

[@rajnikukreja1996]

Thank-you for sharing.

[@RachelSmith-rq5ku]

This is so incredible. Thank you, Olya, for sharing your story. Allah'u'Abha.

[@alamrafique6216]

Amazing resilience and strength in dealing with trials and tests! Their sacrifices in the path of this great Faith will be rewarded thousand times in the Eternal Kingdom of God!

[@ninecatsmagee8384]

Nothing in the Muslim Faith justifies this hatred against Baha'is. All the world religions are from the same God. Set the Baha'is free. Unite the hearts.

[@JalilWahdatehagh]

incredibly beautiful and touching thank you.

[@dianneshaw9795]

A very touching story....🙏🙏🙏

[@teresa-kurtolander9579]

Merci

[@kololiasanaei6955]

Indeed painful to listen. 😢

[@vilniusyouthmovement]

lovely 😊

[@amatulwadoodnazli7749]

Thank you so much for this great initiative. It inspired me to work more for the betterment of the world and follow the foot steps of those great women.

[@cherryrotella3714]

Painful to listen to 😞 Repeat behaviour that the Jews suffered. Disgraceful. God Bless all Bahais 🙏🏼

[@maryammamdouhi6052]

Lovely but to fast.