January 27, 2006

Surprisingly positive feedback

I'm really surprised by how much my Iranian audience of the Persian blog have been quite supportive about this trip. Over 130 people have commented so far on the post I announced my decision to visit Israel and maybe less than a dozen have been negative.

I wish someone could translate them into English so everybody could see this. Although there are also some comments in English which could this time be representative of all comments.

However, almost none of the bloggers have dared to link to these posts or even mention anything about this trip. This speaks volumes about what a big taboo still is visiting Israel for an Iranian, than even those bloggers who live outside the country have not found the courage to show any support or even mention it.

We still have a long way to break this taboo and it's not possible with one trip by one person. Now I'm thinking of organizing an Israel tour for some young Iranian academics who are brave enough to help break this ridiculous taboo.

Posted by hoder at January 27, 2006 10:58 AM

Comments
Dear Hossein, I have written about your trip to Israel. Your track-back module is not working. I did not write about it right away, because I retain a sense of historicity. As you may recall, the public launch of my weblog was 1 Feb. 2005, and I intended to write about your trip along with the mentioning of the rather interesting connection among your trip, our conversation, and my blogging. Please look at: Hossein Derakhshan's Trip to Israel at scaniranic.com
- By: Shahram Kholdi on January 29, 2006
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until when are you in israel? is there another chance to hear you speak? you are invited to post your israel tour on: www.ilcu.com miko
- By: miko the kid on January 28, 2006
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To dear Tara: the real news for you are that one day, the wind direction will change and we'll make a better world. i hope.
- By: Kartoshka on January 28, 2006
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For those lamenting or cheering over Hamas' win read this excellent NYtimes ed by Saad Ibrahim, Egypt's reknown sociologist, "Islam can vote, if we let it". http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/05/23/opinion/edibrahim.php
- By: Esfand on January 28, 2006
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Good idea. There were several who linked to your trip, incuding some in Persian (like F.M.Sokhan). I have written about it too.
- By: AIS on January 28, 2006
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Quite frankly Hossein, which is more important? Your bloody vacation in Israel, or Hamas's victory? To suggest that bloggers have ignored your trip and focused on other items, such as something called "real news", is the height of arrogance - even for a pompous and full-of-yourself person like you.
- By: Tara on January 27, 2006
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Welcome to Israel! I hope you are having a great time on your visit. You are a very brave and inspirational person. Without sounding too corny I would like to say I think you are a special human being. Wishing you all the success in the future, and peace between our peoples. Because of you I know the Iranian government does not represent all of the Persian people. Shalom.
- By: Tel Avivian on January 27, 2006
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the thing is who cares about your trip to Israel? only your some of your readers might be interested in your trip.by the way, in my point of view, it is gonna be a good experience.I've been in the united states for many years but honestly I don't know exactly what is going on over there.so if you write whatever you see in israel and take some pics and even videos,it would be a good source for those people like me.have a good trip
- By: LAUKUS on January 27, 2006
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Hoder. In my mind, only educated people is who can really matter. After all, they are the only ones who can understand in deep. Personally, i would like to travel to Iran, in order to know more about "forbidden strategic enemy" culture. The reason i took a course about Arab culture, is because i don't care about patriotism, sionism, religions, being politicly correct and alike. I think these terms have no place in modern community.. Nothing so rewarding as to know more.
- By: Kartoshka on January 27, 2006
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Dear! please blog about my plans to travel to Croatia in the summer! I may also have plans to visit other planets!
- By: Iranian Woman on January 27, 2006
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I support you all the way. I have heard that Katsave is a big fan of Traditional Persian Music ( well, actually I know as a fact). He throws alot of Persian "Bazm" parties see if you can attend his parties.
- By: Ahoo on January 27, 2006
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I just read your last posts! Big wow!Keep up the good job!
- By: Nightly on January 27, 2006
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Even though I do not agree with you on various issues, I totally support this move and I am very proud of your courage. Best, Alireza
- By: Alireza from chicago on January 27, 2006
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