Like most people I have been watching events unfold in Iran. It is difficult to watch brave people being beaten and killed for freedom. It is especially difficult knowing that there is little we can do to help them in their struggle. I want to show the people of Iran that we are watching and support their brave stand against tyranny. Tonight, I am going to leave a light on in front of my house all night to show that I support their struggle for freedom and democracy. It seems a very small thing.
Can we leave a light burning around the world over the next 24 hours? I don’t know. But if people all over the world, left on just one light that they do not normally leave on, a light that can be seen from a window or from outside their house, an electric light or a candle, perhaps we can show the Iranian people that we are watching; we are in awe of their courage; we support their struggle. Perhaps we can demonstrate that we share a bond of humanity with them that transcends borders, politics, or religion. We can show the Iranian people that this bond of humanity is universal and that though governments, religious leaders, and militaries may try to snuff out the flame of freedom in one area, it will continue to shine, if only symbolically in others.
Shine the light on freedom, shine the light on peace, shine the light on grace, shine the light on endurance, shine the light on courage. As darkness falls, shine a light.
As I said, it is little enough. But perhaps, if we all shine just one light tonight, wherever we are, we can show our resistance to the forces of darkness that constantly seek to take away human dignity. Shine a light for freedom tonight. Perhaps, the people of Iran will be encouraged by our solidarity with them and keep their struggle alive for another day.
Allah o Akbar. God is Great. We support you brave ones!