“What better feeling than to be free.”
—
#SarinaEsmailzadeh
Sarina was a 16-year-old girl from Karaj,
#Iran. One year ago, she took to the streets to protest for freedom in Iran. She was met with brutal violence and was beaten to death by regime security forces.
If innocence had a face, it would be Sarina’s. Her wisdom, empathy, and passion for life radiated from her. Her smile and laughter were contagious, and her soul was gentle. We came to know her well through her YouTube videos where she shared her life and spoke out against the injustices faced by Iranians. I’ll never forget when she described the hardships of life in Iran and questioned why her life differed so much from that of teenagers in New York or Los Angeles.
I watched as Sarina vlogged herself putting on eyeliner for the first time. It reminded me of my own teenage years. She simply wanted to enjoy the freedoms many of us take for granted. I felt guilty when I realized that the only thing setting me apart from the youth of Iran was that my family left Iran in pursuit of a better life.
Sarina embodies the essence of the transformative changes occurring in Iran through her life, voice, aspirations, and courage. A new generation will reshape the future.
May her memory inspire unity, and may her sacrifice serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing together for a free Iran.