TEHRAN - The wise letter from the Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei to freedom-loving and conscientious students in American universities who support the Palestinian people follows the path previously established by the founder of the Islamic Revolution, Imam Khomeini.

Imam Khomeini emphasized the critical missions and roles of academics in global developments, famously stating that "universities are the origin of all transformations." According to Imam Khomeini, if universities are aware, they can stand on the right side of history and guide societies. Ayatollah Khamenei's recent letter is distinguished by an essential and important statement: "You (students) have now become part of the Resistance Front, and under the ruthless pressure of your government—which openly supports the usurping and ruthless Zionist regime—you have begun an honorable struggle."

The phrases "part of the Resistance Front," "ruthless pressure from the White House," and "honorable struggle" are key focal points in understanding the mission and vision for the movement of American students confronting the U.S. government's support for the crimes of the Zionist regime. In this piece, we will examine Imam Khomeini's views on the transformative role of universities in challenging oppressive governments and its impact on the fate of nations. We will also explore the significant aspects of the recent letter from the Leader of the Islamic Revolution addressed to students in the United States.

The university: a catalyst for transformation

The crimes of the Zionist regime in the Gaza Strip, now affecting the innocent people of Rafah, have recently provoked significant reactions from academic centers, students, and scholars in Europe and the United States. The intensification of the massacre of innocent people in refugee camps in Rafah has sparked a new wave of protests. Referring to the thoughts of Imam Khomeini about the transformative role of universities in world and national affairs, these events, along with the al-Aqsa Storm Operation, have paved the way for new upheavals in the West and America.

Imam Khomeini considered universities to be one of the main pillars of cultural development, believing that the state of a country's universities reflects its cultural standards. He asserted that the culture of a country mirrors the state of its universities. Recognizing the crucial role of universities, he referred to them as factories for creating human beings. Regardless of the type and model of government, this responsibility is prioritized in the organizational goals of educating and training individuals for the future of the country.

Imam Khomeini also believed: "The role of the university in any country is to create proper human beings, and universities must produce and nurture them." This highlights the significant focus on this aspect in national planning at macro levels. Besides religious teachings, the importance and necessity of paying attention to educational environments and their performance are clearly indicated in Imam Khomeini's speeches. He emphasized the role of universities in various dimensions, describing them as the origin of transformations. The importance of the university's role in his words is so profound that Imam Khomeini stated: "The progress of the country is tied to the progress of its universities." Therefore, reflecting on these statements by the Imam indicates the significant impact of universities and their nurtured individuals on social vitality and dynamism.

The enlightened university: a promise of change in West

As some American universities have become centers of opposition to their governments' inhumane policies, revisiting the thoughts of Imam Khomeini is essential. Imam Khomeini reminded politicians and governing bodies that these academic centers can transform into hubs of change. This segment of society can be both the origin of transformations and the driver of community advancement; a country's progress depends on the advancement of its universities.

Reflecting on Imam Khomeini's statements reveals the unparalleled role of universities in a nation's prosperity or its misery and wretchedness. He said, "The university is the center of a nation's happiness and, conversely, its misery. The destiny of a nation must be determined by the university. A good university makes a nation prosperous."

Therefore, the growing awareness in Western and American universities suggests that transforming these institutions into hubs of change in the near future will pave the way for the development of a Resistance network against colonialism and imperialism.

Resistance Front within American universities

In his recent letter, Ayatollah Khamenei outlined the future prospects of American elites rising against the injustices of the Zionist regime and the destructive policies of the United States and the West in Asia. He stated: "Dear young students in the United States! This is our message of solidarity and unity with you. You are now standing on the right side of history, which is turning a new page." This part of the letter indicates that the Resistance in West Asia has become a spiritual supporter and a hub for anti-imperialist and anti-colonial movements in America and Europe.

He further addressed the American students: "You are now part of the Resistance Front." This clearly signifies the emergence of a new branch within the axis of Resistance—the American Resistance force. Its continuation requires relentless effort and soft power activities aimed at building relationships with the youth and society in American and Western nations. Therefore, cultural organizations within the Resistance Front should strive, as they did at the beginning of the Islamic Revolution by integrating elites like Edoardo Agnelli, to discover justice-seeking elites in these societies. They should work tirelessly to raise their awareness and enlighten them about the truth.

Engaging with media is essential

In another critical section of the letter, the Leader of Islamic Revolution highlights: "The international Zionist leaders, who control the majority of media outlets in America and Europe, either own them or exert influence through money and bribery, have unjustly branded this human and courageous move as terrorism! Can a nation defending itself against the crimes of Zionist occupiers in its own land be labeled as terrorists? Or does providing humanitarian aid to this nation and bolstering its defenses equate to supporting terrorism?" 

Drawing from this excerpt, it's crucial to underscore the imperative of utilizing the media to shed light on the realities of the Palestinian situation and the injustices perpetrated by the United States against other nations in recent decades. Prioritizing individual media engagement, continuous dissemination of accurate information, and the creation of compelling content in foreign languages to counter the distortion and falsehoods spread by news agencies should be a key focus, given this aspect of Ayatollah Khamenei's letter.

‘So, stand firm - as you have been commanded… (11:112)’

The Quran teaches us Muslims and all people worldwide the importance of standing firm in righteousness: “So, stand firm - as you have been commanded… (11:112).” Additionally, it emphasizes fair treatment in human relations: “You do no wrong, nor are you wronged (2:279).” The Resistance Front, by adhering to these principles and acting upon them, is making progress and, God willing, will prevail.

In the closing remarks of his letter, Ayatollah Khamenei emphasizes that the key to overcoming arrogance, tyranny, and preventing innocent bloodshed in Palestine is perseverance. He likens this perseverance to the consistent pursuit of justice over the past five decades, aimed at countering Western terrorism in West Asia, backed by the United States.

It's worth noting that the current developments in American society mark the beginning of a nascent national uprising. These initial movements will evolve into larger waves in the short term, forcing the United States government to retreat from previously instigated conflicts and potentially ushering in more profound long-term changes.