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July, 2009

JULY NEWSLETTER

July 2009 has been a month of crisis around the globe and especially in Iran where a fight for individual civil rights has been fraught with protests and violence. Millions of people all over the globe have become acutely aware of the struggles of the Iranian people to become masters of their own destinies. We at Treasurers of Wonderment decided it was crucial that we focus on this most important issue and leave the important issues for tomorrow. So, we hope that you will join us in our quest to give all of our attention at this time to civil rights and the trial of the Iran Bahá'í Seven whose fate is in the hands of all of us and what we do to bring about their safe return to their families.

Please join us as we ask for your love and prayers for the Iran Seven as well as for the thousands of others who are persecuted daily for no other reason than their religious beliefs throughout the world.

We will be back in August with fresh and new stories for your reading pleasure and thank you sincerely for your support.

The Treasures of Wonderment Team.

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Be Part of Global Day For Human Rights July 25

On 25 July 2009, in more than 60 cities around the globe, well-wishers of the people of Iran will mark a Global Day of Action “to demand respect for the human rights of the Iranian people and to demonstrate worldwide solidarity with the civil rights movement in Iran”. This action has been designated by the organizers as “a non-partisan collaborative of individuals and human rights organizations”.

People from countries across the planet join the swelling chorus that calls for the internationally recognized human rights of all Iranians to be upheld and safeguarded, wholeheartedly supporting those gatherings and other forums that seek through non-partisan means to draw attention to this pressing issue. Check out http://www.united4iran.org for the location of a rally near you. United4Iran does not promote any political agenda; our only aim is to support the people of Iran in their struggle for democracy, freedom and basic human rights.

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Eurodollars to Unite Europe and the United States

Sample coin minted in Belgium presented by President Dmitry MedvedevRussia's President, Dmitry Medvedev, pulled the world's new currency from his pocket at the meeting of the 35th G8 Summit leaders in Italy of July 8–10, 2009. World leaders attending the Group of Eight summit opening in Italy were each will be presented with a gift from the past and one for the future.

Handmade books portraying works by Neoclassical sculptor Antonio Canova, as well as gold coins representing an imaginary future world currency will be given to the participants at the opening of the three-day summit. There are 10 copies of the book, commissioned by Italy's Premier Silvio Berlusconi from the Bologna-based art publishing house Fondazione Marilena Ferrari, each with a personalized dedication for the leader who receives it. The 28-inch by 17.5-inch (71-centimeter by 44.5-centimeter) Canova books were crafted at no cost by 23 Italian craftsmen using traditional techniques, the publishing house said. Each weighs 53 pounds (24 kilograms).

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Human Rights Are a Matter of International Concern

Roxana SaberiRoxana Saberi, 31 years old, U.S. journalist and USCIRF call for release of Iranian Bahá’ís. Saberi was imprisoned in Tehran’s Evin prison, where the Baha’is are currently being held, for nearly four months before she was released as a result of significant international pressure.

July 8, 2009
Mr. Leonard Leo
Chair
United States Commission on International Religious Freedom
800 North Capitol Street, NW, Suite 790
Washington, DC 20002

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Trial For Seven Baha'i Leaders Reportedly Delayed

GENEVA, 13 July, 2009 (BWNS) - Iranian officials have reportedly told families of the seven Bahá'í leaders currently held in Evin prison in Tehran that their trial has been delayed. No new trial date was given. Held for more than a year, the seven were reportedly to have been tried on Saturday, although this information, too, was based on oral reports from officials, and such reports have often been unreliable in the past.

The seven were arrested in the spring of 2008 and have been held more than a year without formal charges or access to their attorneys. Official Iranian news reports have said the Bahá'ís will be accused of "espionage for Israel, insulting religious sanctities and propaganda against the Islamic Republic." The seven are Mrs. Fariba Kamalabadi, Mr. Jamaloddin Khanjani, Mr. Afif Naeimi, Mr. Saeid Rezaie, Mrs. Mahvash Sabet, Mr. Behrouz Tavakkoli, and Mr. Vahid Tizfahm. All but one of the group were arrested on 14 May 2008 at their homes in Tehran. Mrs. Sabet was arrested on 5 March 2008 while in Mashhad.

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July 11th, 2009 - BAHA'I TRIAL IS DELAYED BY A FEW DAYS

Iran Press Watch has been able to confirm that trial is delayed.

We call on the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to release these seven innocent Bahá'ís immediately. They face trial in Branch 28 of the Revolutionary Court in Iran. Why? Just because they are Bahá'ís. This is part of a concerted campaign by the Iranian regime to extirpate the Bahá'í community from Iran altogether. If the government of Iran refuses to release them, a public trial should be held that respects international norms of jurisprudence. We ask the international community and non-governmental organizations and all defenders of human rights to make the same plea to the government of the Islamic Republic.

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William Sears Was His Greatest Influence

Bob BellowsBob Bellows’ recently released book "All of Me” features 30 pages of pictures and covers a life-long show business career. Getting warm reviews it was published in China in both the Chinese and English languages. A CD, found on the inside cover, features his songs and piano.

Bob sings in Chinese, French, Japanese, Mongolian and English. Bob writes from his heart. He has shared how the Bahá'í Faith has changed his life. It was Hand of the Cause William Sears who had the greatest influence on helping him to turn his life around. The Bahá'í Faith, his wife and family, became the positive energizing force not only to his personal life, but his present active career in the The English Book Cover of “All Of Me” United States, Asia and other parts of the world.