Jeremy Roth: Free Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer for Nowruz

Josh Fattal is one of the most inspiring, honest, and committed environmental and social justice advocates I have met in my life. From 2005-2008 Josh brought a wellspring of ideas and insights to Aprovecho's environmental education programs and campus. Josh played a key role in the success of our programs and institution during his time here. Sending Josh off on his way in 2008 was a sad moment for our organization and for our community. Bearing this sadness, we knew that sending Josh off to share his facilitation and leadership skills with others around the world was a natural progression of Josh's path.

"Bearing this sadness, we knew that sending Josh off to share his facilitation and leadership skills with others around the world was a natural progression of Josh's path"Being imprisoned unjustly for 600 days in Iran without respect for due process has certainly interrupted that journey and we are gravely concerned for his health and well- being. Josh's love of the environment and his respect for all people and cultures is what brought his explorations to the Middle East. He has spent most of his adult life exploring the rich cultural tapestries of the world and its history. Without judgment or presumption he has sought to make the world a better place and to find creative solutions for banishing intolerance and suffering. There is certainly a level of irony in the fact that someone so devoutly supportive of open communication, peace, justice, and respect sits in a prison with his friend Shane Bauer for the absurd charge of espionage.

Today an Iranian delegation is in New York to attend the Nowruz and the Earth Conference at the United Nations and World Water Day tomorrow. Nowruz is the Iranian New Year and marks the first day of spring in the Iranian calendar. The coming of spring has been celebrated across cultures since the first lunar calendars were created. Most modern cultures have deep traditions rooted in the idea that springtime brings about a re- birth and triumph of light over darkness. It is a time to be introspective and to let go of things that are no longer necessary.

"Being imprisoned unjustly for 600 days in Iran without respect for due process has certainly interrupted that journey and we are gravely concerned for his health and well- being"In 2010, Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Nowruz should serve as an opportunity for world nations to strengthen their bonds and make peace with one another. He went on to say, "Observing Nowruz will not only promote cultural values, but it will also help nations establish relations based on friendship, peace, justice and respect," In such a spirit, Aprovecho and the international community of advocates for a more sustainable planet beseech the Islamic Republic of Iran to free Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer immediately from their unjust detention on compassionate and humanitarian grounds. Please free the hikers. Give them the freedom to experience the renewal and rebirth of spring, to begin their lives again during the glorious occasion of Nowruz. Bring forth the light from this darkness for Josh and Shane, their families, and all of us who benefit from their inspirational work.