My sister, Sara is a linguist and researcher specializing in Sign Language Linguistics, Deaf Studies, and sign language interpreting. She holds a PhD in Linguistics from an American university and has worked in academic and community-based settings, with a particular focus on supporting deaf communities and advancing the professional development of sign language interpreters. After returning to Iran, she has dedicated her time and expertise to providing education and training for deaf people, interpreters, and other professionals working with the Deaf community.

Sara is currently a volunteer with deaf organizations in Tehran, teaching courses in Sign Language Linguistics, Deaf Culture, Professional Issues in Sign Language Interpreting, and Research Methods for Working with Deaf Communities. Some of these courses are designed for deaf participants, while others prepare hearing interpreters and professionals to work effectively with the deaf community. She doesn’t receive payment for these classes. She teaches them because she believes they are important. Her ability to continue this work is in jeopardy given the dire financial and security situation in Iran.

Sara have been unemployed for the past seven months and has used up all her personal savings. The ongoing war, sanctions, air raids, missile attacks, and evacuations have made survival her main priority. The internet blackout has made it practically impossible to seek employment opportunities, if such openings even exist in the current economy. The cost of living has risen while money is scarce. She is facing the prospect of having to leave the city and go to live with family members outside of Tehran. This would mean the end of her work with the deaf community.

I am appealing for your help on Sara’s behalf. She is confident that she can continue her activity for another ten months if we can raise $5,000. This will allow her to keep her apartment and to search for gainful employment in hopes that the situation will get better for everyone. The disruption of the services she provides would be devastating not only for her but for the many people who depend on her.

Donations will be transferred to Sara in Iran through lawful and available financial channels. Because Iran is not a supported withdrawal country, donations cannot be sent directly.

I deeply appreciate your help and hope that you will be able to share this message with others who can help us reach our goal.