Healing in Exile: Iranian Seniors Speak on War, Trauma, Hope and peace in Vancouver

Even in a country as peaceful as Canada, war casts long shadows.

In North Vancouver, a recent community seminar brought together members of the Iranian diaspora to process the emotional weight of ongoing conflict in their homeland. While the gunfire and devastation may seem distant, the psychological impact reverberates strongly—especially among seniors who still have close family and friends living in Iran. This civic gathering highlighted a critical truth: you don’t have to be in a war zone to suffer from war.

Sherry Soltani – Local Journalism Initiative

Events like this are more than cultural forums—they are civic lifelines. They acknowledge that the well-being of local communities is intricately tied to global events. When loved ones are at risk abroad, especially under oppressive regimes or during armed conflict, the stress can manifest as anxiety, trauma, and emotional breakdowns right here at home.

This is not a war between peoples—it is a conflict between governments. That distinction was underscored throughout the seminar, where Iranian and Israeli Vancouverites alike expressed a unified desire for peace.

In a poignant session hosted by Kanon Yaran Vancouver, in collaboration with Skyrise Media Society and Parvaz TV, participants found space to share grief, stories, and strength. “With the ongoing devastating war in Iran and the cut-off of communication, many of us are experiencing immense stress and anxiety,” noted the host. The gathering became a place of healing and reflection.

LJI Sherry Soltani emphasized the psychological toll: “It’s not just about physical conflict, but the severe emotional strain people are carrying,” she said. “This pain is too heavy to bear alone.”

Dr. Poran Poregbal, a psychotherapist, spoke to the resilience deeply rooted in Iranian history. “Iranians possess an incredible will to live, having endured centuries of hardship,” she said. “Iran will be rebuilt, even if parts are destroyed.”

Personal testimonies brought depth and humanity to the dialogue. Ms. Hormozi, 82, recounted surviving the Iran-Iraq war and losing her 18-year-old daughter. “These experiences make us stronger,” she said with quiet defiance.

Mrs. Sadegi shared her experience and the story of what happened to her son during the war, emphasizing that now everyone is seeking peace, an end to war, and freedom from the Islamic regime.

Another speaker reflected on the resurgence of trauma and emphasized the importance of compassionate listening. “Everyone has a breaking point,” she said, recounting how her mother’s health deteriorated under emotional strain.

A former university lecturer, expelled and exiled, described the Iranian regime as a "cancerous wart" that must be removed for the country to heal. He maintained hope that Iran is moving toward freedom, away from the grip of oppressive ideology.

Despite the heavy emotional content, the event radiated hope. The collective message was clear: shared pain can lead to shared strength. In coming together, the community reinforced the importance of dialogue, empathy, and civic support in times of global and personal crisis.

This seminar was more than a conversation—it was a civic response to global suffering. It reminded all who attended that healing begins not only in distant nations but right here, in our neighborhoods, when communities come together to care for one another.