đșđžâ€ïžđźđ· The Unspoken Love Between the People of the U.S. and Iran
A Reflection on Culture, Compassion, Faith, and the Hope for Peace in the Middle East
In a world often shaped by politics and headlines, it's easy to forget the simplest truth: people are not their governments. And nowhere is this more powerfully revealed than in the quiet, unspoken connection between the people of the United States and Iran.
Despite decades of political tension, sanctions, and conflict, the bond between ordinary Americans and Iranians has survivedâthrough kindness, culture, shared values, and a deep sense of humanity.
âThe earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.â
â BahĂĄÊŒuâllĂĄh
âBlessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.â
â Jesus Christ, Matthew 5:9
âO mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another.â
â Qurâan 49:13
đ Two Deeply Emotional Nations
Both Iranians and Americans are deeply emotional and compassionate people. Iranians express this in poetry, hospitality, and fierce loyalty to the oppressedâoften seen in their support for Palestinian suffering. Americans, in turn, show passionate support and deep sympathy for Israel, rooted in historical, spiritual, and security-based values.
At first glance, these may seem like opposing stancesâbut in truth, both are expressions of love. What the world desperately needs is to merge these sympathiesâto realize that both Palestinians and Israelis deserve peace, dignity, and safety.
âThe believers are but a single brotherhood, so make peace between your brothers.â
â Qurâan 49:10
âLove your enemies⊠do good to those who hate you.â
â Jesus Christ, Matthew 5:44
âBe generous in prosperity, and thankful in adversity⊠be a joy to the sorrowfulâŠâ
â BahĂĄÊŒuâllĂĄh
đ Cultural Reasons for Mutual Love
Despite the headlines, Iranians and Americans actually share a lot in common:
-
Hospitality: Both cultures value warmth and welcoming strangers.
-
Emotional Openness: They feel deeply and express with heart.
-
Love of Freedom: Whether itâs political, spiritual, or intellectual, liberty is cherished.
-
Storytelling Traditions: Americans through film, Iranians through poetryâboth cultures use stories to move hearts and shape hope.
âLet all that you do be done in love.â
â 1 Corinthians 16:14
âAnd speak to people good [words]âŠâ
â Qurâan 2:83
âLet deeds, not words, be your adorning.â
â BahĂĄÊŒuâllĂĄh
âĄïžđźđ· Iran and the Jewish People: A Forgotten Brotherhood
Long before modern Israel or even the U.S. existed, Iran was a refuge and friend to the Jewish people.
đïž Cyrus the Great & the Bible
In 539 BCE, Cyrus the Great, king of Persia, freed the Jews from Babylonian exile and allowed them to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple. This event is recorded in the Bible, and Cyrus is still honored in Jewish tradition as a liberator.
âThis is what Cyrus king of Persia says: âThe Lord, the God of heaven⊠has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem⊠Any of his people may go up.ââ
â 2 Chronicles 36:23
đ Continued Protection Through Centuries
-
Jews lived peacefully in Persia for over 2,700 years.
-
Iran still hosts the largest Jewish population in the Middle East outside of Israel.
-
The relationship was never about religion or politicsâit was about mutual respect and co-existence.
âWe made the Children of Israel inheritors of the Book.â
â Qurâan 40:53
âLet there be no compulsion in religion.â
â Qurâan 2:256
This historical bond is not a mythâitâs a foundation. A reminder that Iranian and Jewish people have loved and protected each other beforeâand can again.
đ€ Heartfelt Encounters Today
Ask any Iranian whoâs visited the U.S., and they'll speak of the warmth and curiosity of Americans. Likewise, Americans who've traveled to Iran are often surprised by the hospitality, generosity, and humanity they experience.
These stories are not in the newsâbut theyâre real. Every handshake, every shared meal, every friendship formed across cultures tells us: we are not enemies.
đ Connection in the Digital Age
Today, Iranians and Americans follow each other on Instagram, collaborate on art, share ideas, and laugh at the same content. Barriers of language and politics are falling.
We donât need permission to care about each other.
đïž The Way Forward
Let us remember:
âYe are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch.â
â BahĂĄÊŒuâllĂĄh
âDo to others as you would have them do to you.â
â Jesus Christ, Luke 6:31
âAnd the servants of the Most Merciful⊠when the ignorant address them harshly, they say âPeace.ââ
â Qurâan 25:63
Let Iranians, Americans, Jews, Muslims, and Christians rise above politics and pain. Let us speak to each other not through governments, but through the language of love, respect, and shared dreams.
Let us pray and work for peace not just for Palestinians⊠not just for Israelis⊠but for both.
Let that be our message to the world:
We remember our shared love. We choose peace.