The expatriate Iranian community continues to organize relief efforts in response to the devastating earthquake that killed hundreds and displaced thousands in the western Iranian province of Kermanshah. The latest such effort comes from Paris-based Iranian painter Raheleh Roshandel who has mobilized groups of Iranian expatriates in Paris as well as a number of French citizens to provide support for the quake relief efforts.
A friend of Roshandel’s, who wished to remain anonymous, agreed to pack and deliver supplies to the Red Crescent in Tehran.
The artist, who has been living in Paris over the past ten years, was in the news earlier this year for her art collection “Iranian Goats.” Twenty works from the series featuring goats in Iranian mythology, nomad life and some other fields were put on display in an exhibition at Tehran’s Shokuh Gallery in mid-July. In her research about goats in Persian culture and visits to the Louvre Museum, Roshandel traced Iranians’ interest in goat motifs created on ancient Iranian artifacts and architecture, she told the Tehran Times in a recent interview.
Individuals inside and outside of Iran have been rushing to raise money for quake relief efforts. Efforts include those of Ali Daei, the former star soccer player, who requested donations from his nearly 3 millions followers on Instagram. Within one week, he had received more than 60bn rials ($1.7m) and at least 15 trucks of clothes, food and blankets. He then posted videos of himself delivering the aid in Kermanshah province, the area worst hit by the 7.3 magnitude earthquake. Others like South Korean actress Lee Young-ae are donating directly to the quake victims.
Please visit NIAC’s FAQ page to learn more about how you can help support the ongoing quake relief efforts.
Relief packages being sent to Iran by Raheleh Roshandel and groups of Iranian expatriates (source: Facebook)
