06/16/2025
With Heavy Hearts: A Note From AZPCC In Uncertain Times
Dear AZPCC supporters, family and friends,
We write to you in a time of great stress and heartache for our community. As you know, since June 11 Israel and Iran have been in a state of open armed conflict. Innocent civilians have been displaced from their homes and families, disrupted in their livelihoods, and hundreds have been killed or injured in the ongoing conflict.
The quote attributed to Gandhi comes to mind: "an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind." It is our hope that a durable and lasting peace is achieved in our ancestral and familial homeland.
We are a non-political, non-religious, non-profit and so we do not endorse or support any religion, any candidate, official, party, or government. But, we cannot be ignorant of our shared humanity or blind to the suffering of our families, neighbors and friends.
In alignment with our missions of sharing our culture, building community and giving charity to serve those in need, AZPCC will be doing the following:
1) Enhance our existing VPN project to support Iranian civilians in this dire time of need. Open communication is fundamental to cultural exchanges and fundamental in building bridges between communities. Our community needs reliable information about family and friends in Iran;
2) Provide safe spaces and programming for our community members hurting, relating to stress management, mental health and coping techniques;
3) Evaluate our existing programming and review whether any programs should be changed or postponed during this sensitive time.
In the words of Rumi, "Whatever sorrow shakes from your heart, far better things will take their place." We look forward to the day that peace arrives so we can continue our mission in full under better circumstances for all.
As always we are grateful for your support of our mission and we appreciate your understanding during these trying times for our community.
Sincerely,
AZPCC Board