SHIRAZ- Nestled in the heart of Khafr County, Fath Abad has long been without a high school, compelling its youth to seek education beyond the village's borders. I found myself studying at Qods Boys' High School in Taleqan, where the spirit of Quds Day instilled a sense of community and purpose among us students.

As the day of solidarity with Palestine approached, we rallied together with our classmates, crafting wall newspapers and brochures to distribute, all under the encouraging guidance of our supportive principal, Mr. Rastegar. His frequent reminders to prepare for Quds Day instilled a strong sense of responsibility.

However, a significant hurdle loomed: the annual Quds Day march was held in Khafr County, which lay beyond the ‘Shar'i distance’—the minimum distance from one's hometown that classifies a person as a traveler in Islamic jurisprudence. This limitation effectively excluded the people of Fath Abad from participating.

In a bid to reclaim our voice, we resolved in 2007 to hold our own Quds Day march within our village. Days leading up to this event were filled with excitement as we secured a mobile sound system and decorated it with Muharram flags, which symbolized solidarity and fervor. The village headman, known for his oratory skills, took charge of crafting the slogans for our march. On the eve of the event, we announced through the loudspeaker in the mosque that our village would proudly host its own Quds Day march.

The contrast between the Imam Reza Basij base at one end of the village and the mosque at the entrance—approximately a kilometer apart—did not deter our determination. On the day itself, villagers gathered as children on bicycles and motorcycles joined in the procession. A loudspeaker amplified the chants led by our village headman, creating an atmosphere brimming with unity. Many onlookers, initially hesitant to participate, were drawn into the celebration by the resounding chants echoing through the streets.

From that year onward, the Quds Day march has blossomed into an annual tradition in Fath Abad, a testament to our spirit of solidarity.

Fast forward to July 2014, when the world watched in horror as Israel launched an attack on a girls' elementary school in Palestine, claiming the lives of numerous innocent students. In the midst of this tragedy, my family and I fervently followed the news, pondering ways we could assist the affected communities in Gaza.

During one particular lunchtime, as my wife and I discussed how to support the people of Palestine, our five-year-old son, Mohammad, innocently inquired, “Dad, how can we help them?” I explained, “The kids need water, food, school supplies, and toys. Anyone with money should contribute, and if you have a doll or a bicycle, you can give that too.”

His eyes sparkled with determination as he asked, “You mean I can give them my bicycle?” I hesitated, reminding him that I had just purchased it and that he might miss it. Yet, he replied resolutely, “It won't be hard. I want to bring joy to the children of Gaza.” My wife, overcome with pride, kissed him tenderly. I reiterated my concern, asking if he could do without the bike; his simple yet profound answer was, “Sure. No problem. I don’t need a bike.”

In the days that followed, some family and friends expressed concern, questioning why I would take away my child's joy. I responded, “Rather than criticize me, take a lesson from him and contribute in your own way.” We soon dusted off the bicycle, affixed messages of support for the children of Gaza on a piece of cardboard, and delivered it to the Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation.

This memoir reflects the resilience and compassion of a community that, throughout its trials, continues to nurture the bonds of solidarity and empathy, ensuring that the struggles of distant lands resonate within the hearts of its youngest members.

Memoir by Muhammad Hossein Heydari, A Resident of Fath Abad Village, Khafr County, Fars Province