28 Mar 2024
[caption id="attachment_146873" align="alignright" width="195"] Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei[/caption]
TEHRAN (FNA)- Rev. David B. Smith, an Anglican Parish Priest based in Australia, says that today minds of the youth are tools in the hands of western politicians and systems, but the fatherly tone of Iranian leader's letter to the younger generation can put an end to the West's indoctrination plot.
"I think that (calling on the younger generation to get familiar with Islam from primary and original sources) is both wise and true. It is fundamental that we appeal to the minds of our young people before they become totally indoctrinated by the system. Radical and independent thought has always originated in universities. This where change can begin, and it is thus highly appropriate for Ayatollah Khamenei to target his appeal this way," said Father Dave in an exclusive interview with Fars News Agency.

Asked about the rise of Islamophobic attacks in the West, he said, "Vested interests are intent on increasing Islamophobia and dividing people on the basis of their religious tribe. I trust that the fatherly and non-confrontational tone of the Ayatollahs letter will do much to portray a more positive image of the Iranians (and Muslims in general) in the minds of western young people, even regardless of the letters excellent content."

Dave Smith, also known as Fighting Father Dave, is best known for his work with at-risk youths. Father Dave is also a published author and has taken a very public stance on various human-rights issues, most especially the Palestinian occupation and the current war in Syria where he opposes all forms of western military intervention.

What follows is the full text of FNA's interview with Rev. David B. Smith:

Q: The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei in a letter to the West's younger generation has underlined the importance of learning about the teachings of Islam and Quran from primary and original sources in Islam. In his letter, the leader has also warned against the disinformation campaign active in the West, and stressed, ".in reaction to the flood of prejudgments and disinformation campaigns, try to gain a direct and firsthand knowledge of this religion." How do you see the timing of the Leaders letter considering the current situation in the West?

A: I think the letter was excellent and timely. The tone is fatherly, rather than confrontational, and will hopefully accomplish much to portray a more positive picture of Iran in the minds of western young people.

I think that (calling on the younger generation to get familiar with Islam from primary and original source) is both wise and true. It is fundamental that we appeal to the minds of our young people before they become totally indoctrinated by the system. Radical and independent thought has always originated in universities. This is where change can begin, and it is thus highly appropriate for Ayatollah Khamenei to target his appeal this way.

Q: ISIL terrorists raided the office of the satirical French magazine, Charlie Hebdo, on January 7 and killed several staff of the magazine. Since then, Islamophobic attacks have been on the rise in the West and Muslims have been suffering a backlash from people in Europe. What's your take on the relationship between this message and the Charlie Hebdo incident and the following attacks on Muslims?

A: .vested interests are intent on increasing Islamophobia and dividing people on the basis of their religious tribe. I trust that the fatherly and non-confrontational tone of the Ayatollahs letter will do much to portray a more positive image of the Iranians (and Muslims in general) in the minds of Western young people, even regardless of the letters excellent content.

While the propaganda machine is active, people are blinded from the truth. It often takes a generation for the fog of propaganda to clear!

I believe that there are many vested interests fanning the flames of division between Christians and Muslims, Muslims and Jews, Europeans, Persians and Arabs.

In the end, the truth will shine through, but how much damage will be done and how many lives will be lost in the meantime? I do not blame the Muslim community at all for the development of this divide.

I appreciate that there are indeed many angry young Muslim men who are causing trouble in this country as elsewhere. Even so, this anger is not without a basis.

I think the Pope has shown admirable leadership in this area, as he has done in so many areas since his installation.

I do truly believe that it is only the religious leaders who we can look to now if there is going to be any progress.

Our politicians are inevitably mired in power-play and cannot speak the truth even if they want to.

Our religious institutions are also tied into the system and yet they still have some independence and they still have values and a conscience. This is indeed where my hope lies.

Only that I think it was a brave and wise initiative of the Ayatollah to take this initiative.

My prayers are with him, and my hope is that he (Iranian Leader) and the Pope and other religious leaders around the world might indeed pave the way for a new era where truth and integrity are valued more highly than money and power.

By Fars News Agency

 

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