Iranian Students Volunteer to Join the Fighting in Lebanon and Palestine

Following are excerpts from a news report on Iranian volunteers to Lebanon, which aired on Al-Alam TV on July 26, 2006:

Reporter: Far away from the resounding speeches and the political propaganda, these Iranian men chose to put words into action. They are all university students who have gathered here, in Tehran, under the title of "the Justice Movement of the Students," in order to go to Lebanon and the occupied Palestinian territories, and join the ranks of the resistance there. It is noteworthy that this movement operates with no governmental support. It is a voluntary movement par excellence. They hope that the Turkish authorities will allow them to pass into Syria, and from there into Lebanon.

Amin Jalili Nejad, secretary of the Justice Movement of the Students: This is a popular movement, which receives support from no one. Our goal is to stand by our brothers in Lebanon and Palestine. I believe that we will gather more volunteers on our way to the Turkish border, which we will reach tomorrow.

Reporter: Everyone you meet here tells you that they face geographical difficulties, but you can feel the collective sense of responsibility towards their religion, and towards their Lebanese and Palestinian brothers.

Sahil Taqvi, volunteer and computer engineer: We love martyrdom, and are ready to go to Lebanon and Palestine empty-handed, to help the resistance, whether by giving it aid or even by martyrdom.

Reporter: Each one has his own way of expression. The venue today is the U.N. offices in Tehran. Dozens of Iranians have gathered, demanding that the international community take action to achieve a cease-fire and to protect the civilians in Lebanon and Palestine.

Mahdi Chamran, head of Tehran City Council: The humanitarian mission of the U.N. and the Security Council is to protect human rights everywhere. But we do not see any sign of this role in Lebanon, and this casts doubts on the international credibility.

Reporter: Some of them had more than doubts, and they accused some powers of participating in the attack on Lebanon.

Demonstrator: We can see how all the global forces are helping Israel to attack a nation which is armed only with the weapon of faith.

Reporter: Between a political demonstration such as this, and another, which insists on true participation in the battlefield, the popular Iranian position is to support the resistance, in theory and in practice. "The living martyrs" - this is what they call themselves. Their journey is a long one, as they know full well. Nevertheless, they are coming to the aid of their brothers in Palestine and Lebanon, according to the principle: "He who helps his brother, Allah helps him."