A letter to the American hikers being held in Iran
By Joel Simon/Executive Director

The families of Shane Bauer, Josh Fattal, and Sarah Shourd, the three hikers detained in Iran, said today they are concerned about their children’s emotional well-being after nearly four months in prison. They asked supporters to send letters, which they will seek to deliver to them in Evin Prison in Tehran, where the three are being held.

We know from speaking with journalists who have endured imprisonment that these letters provide an enormous emotional lift, helping to break the overwhelming feeling of isolation. If you would like to write a letter, you can send it Free the Hikers, P.O. Box 15065, Duluth, MN 55815, USA. You can also send an e-mail to letterstohikers@gmail.com.

More information is available at freetheihkers.org.

The letter I sent is below:

November 16, 2009

Dear Shane, Josh, and Sarah,

The people who are holding you in Evin Prison may want you to believe you are alone and the world has forgotten you.

Don’t believe them.

There are thousands and thousands of people around the world who are thinking of you every day and working for your safe return home.

I wish you all strength and look forward to the day very soon when I have a chance to meet you in person.

All my best,

Joel Simon

Executive Director