The Baha'i Community of Arlington, Virginia » Baha’i

Who has a junior youth group makin’ things happen? Arlington does!

Chris — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:48:12 +0000

The “Pretty Panthers” are a Junior Youth Group in Arlington who have been working on many fundraising efforts ranging from Halloween-night UNICEF donation collections to hosting bakes sales to raise money for the Seva Foundation, which helps blind people in poor countries regain their sight.

The Pretty Panthers’ Youth Group consists of 4-6 people, depending on busy school and personal schedules. They work on art projects, fundraisers, bake sales and much more! One of the various projects the Pretty Panthers are working on is constructing and preparing works of art for display at “Busboys and Poets” in the Shirlington neighborhood of Arlington. Proceeds for the display will go to Seva. This dynamic youth group is attempting to raise $1,500 for the Seva Foundation where the money will help sponsor a 1-day eye camp in a poor country, where up to 30 people can come in and get an eye operation to regain their sight.

Come support the Pretty Panthers in their latest Seva Foundation fundraising endeavor Friday (tomorrow), February 3 from 3:45pm until there aren’t any cookies left. Location: 900 N. Stuart Street in the Ballston neighborhood of Arlington, just outside the Meridian apartments and across from Macy’s. They will be selling all kinds of baked goodies!

Want to get involved? The Pretty Panthers meet every Friday afternoon. Check them out on their Pretty Panthers Facebook page or contact the Arlington Baha’i Community for more details.

Musical Prayer Station & house concert with Hillary Chapman and Ruhi Reimer

Chris — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:25:45 +0000

“We, verily, have made music as a ladder for your souls, a means whereby they may be lifted up unto the realm on high; make it not, therefore, as wings to self and passion.”
(from the Baha’i Holy Writings)

What nurtures your soul? What makes your heart tender? Prayer, music, fellowship, tea poured in peace, banana bread baked with love and shared with a smile? Whatever the answer might be, sharing songs and prayers with friends gets us all closer to the Creator and recharges us for the days ahead.

You and your friends are warmly invited to a fabulous house concert with Nashville, TN singer-songwriter Hillary Chapman and singer Ruhi Reimer on

Friday, January 27th at 8 pm

The discussion will take place at the apartment of a member of the Arlington Baha’i community. The building is metro-accessible via the Orange line, between the Virginia Square and Ballston stations, and is right across from Arlington Central Library. Light refreshments will be served. Please contact the host for more information and if you wish to attend. All are welcome!

Abdu’l-Bahá in America – Calling America to Its Spiritual Destiny

Chris — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:04:16 +0000

In 1912, Abdu’l-Bahá, the son of the founder of the Bahá’í Faith, traveled from coast to coast across the United States after decades of persecution and imprisonment. This year marks the centenary of Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to America.

Abdu’l-Bahá called on America to become a land of spiritual distinction and leadership and gave a powerful vision of America’s spiritual destiny — to lead the way in establishing the oneness of humanity. In regions across the United States, and throughout the world, Bahá’ís are following His example and vision to build cohesive and spiritually-enriching neighborhoods.

Learn more about the Bahá’í Faith or contact the Bahá’ís in your part of the world.

UN investigator who revealed Iran’s “Baha’i Question” memorandum passes away at age 93

Chris — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:05:12 +0000

Reynaldo Galindo Pohl, a noted legal scholar who uncovered significant evidence of human rights violations in Iran in the late 1980s and early 1990s, passed away on Thursday, January 5th, 2012 in San Salvador, El Salvador.

Professor Pohl’s 1993 report to the UN Commission on Human Rights was notable for its disclosure of the so-called “Baha’i Question” memorandum, a previously secret 1991 letter – issued by the Supreme Revolutionary Cultural Council in Iran – that established a national policy for dealing with Iran’s Baha’is, setting limits on their educational, economic and cultural activities.

“The Baha’i International Community wishes to express its deep condolences over the passing of Professor Galindo Pohl, whose impact and influence in the field of human rights will long be remembered,” said Diane Ala’i, the representative of the Baha’i International Community to the United Nations in Geneva.

Read more about the passing of Professor Pohl here.

Baha’i International Community mourns passing of human rights expert

Chris — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 15:59:19 +0000

The Baha’i International Community has expressed its condolences over the passing of noted human rights lawyer and Tunisian jurist Abdelfattah Amor. Professor Amor – who has died at the age of 68 after suffering a heart attack – was best known internationally for his 11 years of service as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, from 1993 to 2004.

In 1995, Dr. Amor visited Iran – among the few UN human rights investigators to do so – and subsequently issued a ground-breaking report that cataloged that country’s widespread discrimination against religious minorities, including members of the Baha’i Faith.

Read more about the passing of this human rights champion here.