Voices of the Revolution: An Interview with Iranians Living in Budapest

Even though I never intended to engage with public affairs or politics, as a therapist in training, I have realized that all of this-standing up for the truth and standing by people-is an essential cause. While we hear about the current, horrific situation in Iran in the news, we still don't hear the actual voices of the Iranian people. And the world is not paying enough attention or offering enough of a helping hand.

"Our issue now is not only lack of communication, but the images that we see, the voices that we hear. They all cry and say: THEY ARE KILLING US ALL. They are invading peoples houses, take their belongings, shoot them with military weapons, invade hospitals, arrest the healthcare team that helps the wounded people. My mom said quote: by the time I went outside, they had already started shooting. It was like giving guns to a mad person, gun shots were coming from every corner, up, front, back. I think they were on drugs and they were not Iranians, they were speaking arabic. If i would have went out 10 minutes earlier i would not have lived now." - wrote a close acquaintance of mine.

That is why I decided I must give them a voice. I have been talking with members of the Iranian community living in Hungary because I want the world to understand their feelings and hear the messages they want everyone to know.

One member of the community agreed to answer my questions: at his request, he speaks anonymously, using the name Piruz Nahavandi-after an important historical figure in Persia-about the trauma, the guilt, and the unwavering faith that is currently sustaining an entire nation.

How are you currently able to maintain contact with your loved ones back home, and how do the constant uncertainty and information blackouts affect your daily lives? What is it like for you to watch these events from Hungary, and how do you cope with the sense of helplessness caused by the distance?

Piruz Nahavandi: Right now, the only way of communication is one-way phone calls from inside. Today, I managed to finally speak to my relatives. Their connection could only last for about 4 minutes, and finally, after days, I found out that everyone is fine.

The internet blackout followed by violent, deadly suppression is a pattern that the “Islamic Republic” occupying Iran is known for, although this time everything is much worse. During such blackouts, the thought of your family and loved ones is constantly on everyone’s mind. Personally, even in my sleep, I have the worst nightmares about it, knowing how dangerous and brutal this regime is. My wife and I are experiencing severe lack of sleep, anxiety, and we find it hard to focus on our daily lives.

Imagine living two lives at once: one is the free and calm living we have in this country, and the other is living in an active war zone inside your head. This contradictory experience will make you feel guilty for not suffering the way your people do, and happy at the same time because of it, and this brings you to the point of exhaustion very fast.

But I should make this very clear: we Iranians are not feeling helpless. We are feeling determined and united. We know that we will not stop until we free our country, just like our compatriots who are fighting with bare hands against this terrorist regime. We KNOW that we are in the heart of history, and this is our duty to our country.

What do you think is the most important aspect of the current events that the world should understand, but which is not receiving enough attention?

Piruz Nahavandi: The most important matter that we need to clarify is that this is not an economic protest. This is a revolution. This is about regime change in Iran. We are not fighting for food or economy; we are fighting to retake our homeland and our legacy from these occupiers who have been ruling over our country for almost half a century. This is a national uprising against the entire regime and everything that it stands for.

What does solidarity from the outside world mean to you? What would you say to those who want to help but don't know the most effective way to do so?

Piruz Nahavandi: Today, solidarity with Iranians doesn’t mean hugs and saying that we are sorry for you. We don’t need social media posts. Today, solidarity means for everybody around the globe to ask and push their governments and representatives to cut down communications and negotiations with this regime. This is not a legitimate government; they do not represent us. We Iranians ask everyone to push their governments to speak to the leader of the opposition and the real representative of the people, HRH Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi. This is the biggest help.

What gives you hope even in the most difficult moments? What do you think is the most important value that the Iranian people are showing the world right now?

Piruz Nahavandi: Iran! Iran is what brings us together, and you should know that Iran is not just some border. It is our culture. It is our food. It is our language. It is our architecture, and it is our nationality. These are not just symbols; this is what unifies our every thought and emotion.

We are past hoping. Today, we BELIEVE that we will achieve our liberty because, for the first time, the stars are aligned. We have a leader that unifies us, and the regime has never been this weak and this alone.

The world should know that we are not fighting out of anger. We are fighting out of responsibility. Changing this regime will change the course of history for the entire world. It will save millions of Iranians and non-Iranians. A free, democratic Iran will promote regional stability, counter terrorism, and uphold human rights. This is the value that the Iranians are trying to show the world and ask for support for.

My conversations with members of the Iranian community in Hungary have highlighted that the struggle for freedom comes at a price- and those living here pay that price every day with sleepless nights and constant anxiety.

As a therapist, I ask everyone to turn toward the Iranians living in Hungary with supportive love even in these difficult times. And if we can give nothing else, let us give understanding and ask them: What would help you right now in this situation?