Wednesday, August 28, 2024 | | REMAINING PRISONERS RELEASED | | The Yemeni Bahá'í community's unyielding pursuit of peace | SANAA, Yemen — In the heart of Yemen, amid ongoing societal challenges, a remarkable story of hope and transformation is unfolding. Despite facing persecution, the Bahá'í community of that country has responded with an unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and the betterment of their society. The recent release of the remaining four Bahá'ís from a group of 17 that were abducted in Sanaa in May last year not only marks a significant moment for the Bahá'ís of Yemen but also highlights their resilience.
A vision of unity amid adversity
"Our village, once mired in despair and hopelessness, was as though it was dead, and we had become desperate for real change," recounted a woman from a village in northern Yemen. "In many gatherings in the village, the only conversation was about conflict, war, and who had joined or would join the fighting."
Reflecting on the transformative effects of Bahá'í community-building endeavors, she added: "But now, we can all see how our village is infused with new life."
For over a decade, Yemeni Bahá'ís have faced arrests, imprisonments, and public incitement to violence against them. A particularly distressing episode occurred during last year's national Bahá'í convention in Sanaa, where armed gunmen violently raided the gathering, detaining 17 Bahá'ís—women and men, young and old. These individuals were simply carrying out their sacred responsibility, shared by Bahá'ís in over 170 countries: to elect their national governing council and consult on their community's contributions to societal progress.
Despite significant pressure during their captivity in very difficult conditions, including forced attendance at "cultural courses" aimed at making them renounce their faith, these Bahá'ís remained steadfast in their conviction. Over time, they were released one by one, their resilience a testament to the strength of their convictions.
In the face of ongoing challenges and restrictions, the Bahá'í community's response has been to reach out to their fellow citizens, foster friendships, and serve tirelessly for the common good. This approach, rooted in Bahá'u'lláh's teaching that "the earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens," has begun to reshape the fabric of their lives. Far from retreating into silence, they have continued to translate their faith in a peaceful world into actions aimed at uplifting their fellow citizens.
Youth: At the vanguard of social transformation
In one locality, a group of young people participating in Bahá'í moral and spiritual educational programs took on the challenge of renewing a vital, yet neglected water reserve. Guided by the Bahá'í principle of the harmony between humanity and nature, they consulted with community elders, mobilized their peers, and turned what could have been a simple cleanup into a powerful demonstration of collective action.
"As we worked together, something changed," shared one of the young participants. "It wasn't just about the water anymore. We saw how, when united, we could tackle many challenges our community faced." This project not only restored a crucial resource but also cultivated a new sense of hope and shared responsibility among the youth.
Women: catalysts for collective progress
In another village, a group of young women inspired by Bahá'í teaching of the equality of women and men are redefining their role in society. After completing a training program offered by the Excellence Foundation for Social Development—a Bahá'í-inspired social and economic development organization—these women chose to stay in their village, where most young people leave, and contribute to their community's progress.
Working alongside village elders, they have addressed pressing issues that had long plagued their community. One of their initiatives tackled chronic eye problems caused by dust and accessibility of clean water. "We saw our neighbors suffering needlessly," recalled one of the young women involved in the initiative. "We knew we had to act."
The group organized a medical health campaign, bringing volunteer doctors to provide eye care to the entire village. But they did not stop there. Recognizing the need for ongoing care, they established a small first-aid kit with basic medical supplies, with each household contributing what they could. "We entrusted these supplies to an elderly woman respected by all," explained the young woman. Although a small step, these efforts have led to basic eye care now within reach for everyone in the village.
Their efforts also extend to education. The local school's lack of proper sanitation facilities had forced many girls to drop out, often leading to early marriages. The participants of the Foundation's program took action. Following consultation with the school's principal, they restored the school's only toilet and organized a system where families would take turns weekly to provide water.
This led to more girls attending school regularly. This modest effort has opened a world of possibilities for these young women.
The impact of these endeavors goes beyond physical improvements. Through weekly discussion sessions, they are fostering conversations on critical issues such as early marriage and women's education. "I've seen shy girls transform into confident educators of those younger than themselves and become community organizers of social action initiatives," said one of the participants of the program.
A collective journey toward peace
The impact of these grassroots efforts has not gone unnoticed. Many among Yemen's tribal leaders, representing a deeply rooted societal institution, have stood in solidarity with the Bahá'í community. In a powerful statement, they affirmed that the Bahá'ís are an integral part of Yemeni society, embodying the country's long tradition of religious coexistence.
This appreciation extends to the national level, where the Bahá'í Office of Public Affairs is contributing to discussions on Yemen's future. In a series of roundtable discussions, the Office has explored how the country's diversity can be a source of strength rather than division.
Nader Al-Sakkaf, Director of the Office, captured this vision: "Yemeni society is like a beautiful puzzle. When one piece is missing, it's difficult for us to progress." This perspective, rooted in the Bahá'í principle of unity in diversity, is helping to shape a new narrative of inclusivity for Yemen's future.
A Beacon of Hope
The story of Yemen's Bahá'í community is more than a tale of perseverance in the face of adversity.
It is a testament to the transformative power of a spiritual approach to social progress. Through their actions, Yemeni Bahá'ís are demonstrating that even in the most challenging circumstances, the principles of unity, equality, and selfless service can generate powerful waves of positive change that extend far beyond their immediate circle.
As one community member reflected, "We are not just building better communities; we are nurturing a vision of what Yemen can be. It is a future where every person, regardless of their background, can contribute to our shared progress."
In this vision lies a powerful message of hope—not just for Yemen, but for a world in search of new paths to peace and unity. | | | | | Armed Houthis attack Bahá'í gathering in Yemen, arresting at least 17, in fresh crackdown | | | | | | Short film on Bahá'í community highlights efforts for coexistence | | | | | | "THIS HOMELAND SHELTERS ALL" | | Bahá'ís mark 100 year history in Tunisia | | | Follow BWNS for regular updates | | Dear Edward Lorilla, you are receiving this email because you subscribed to the Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS) at news.bahai.org/subscribe/.
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