I left Iran when I was seven years old, during the revolution. Since then there has never been a day I have not felt a strong moral calling to help my compatriots win their freedom.

As a proud American, I have had the good fortune of being inspired by the founding of my adopted country. The Declaration of Independence, US Constitution, Federalist Papers—and the open spirit of the great American experiment—have shaped not only my deep loyalty to the land of the free but also my aspiration for Iranian liberty. Cyrus the Great guides me in much the same way: his principled leadership reminds of the decency and goodness that is the Iranian national heritage and contribution to the struggle for universal human rights.

I started Cyrus Forum because I believe in this work and its urgency. My hope is that I will be joined in giving to our common cause by my fellow Iranians in the diaspora and by others who believe in the promise of a free and peaceful Iran.

Iran’s future depends on us.

—

Mariam Memarsadeghi
Founder and Director, Cyrus Forum

@memarsadeghi