Mr. Khojeste Mistree's Allegations
From: Khojeste Mistree ~zstudies@bom3.vsnl.net.in>
To: Jal Birdie <jalnb@earthlink.net>; Shirin Mistry <smileysjm@eisa.net.au>; Homi; Davier <DAVIERS@aol.com>; Farrokh Mistree <farrokh.mistree@me.gatech .edu>; Firdosh Mehta <fmehta@RNG.com>; Jimmy Mistry <jimmy.mistry@stoneweb.com>; Kaemerz Dotivala <kaemerz@lords.com>
Date: Wednesday, February 02, 2000 2:34 AM
Subject: Fw: WZC 2000 Re. Mr. Ali Jaffrey
Dear Dolly,
It has been brought to my notice that a meeting in Houston
has been scheduled to discuss important issues, appertaining to matters
affecting the smooth functioning of the forthcoming congress.
As this is a World Congress as versus a local North
American one, I feel that I have the right to voice my views and concerns as to
the direction this congress may take, if firm and steadfast decisions are not
taken by the executive board, this coming weekend.
I am sure that you will agree that most well-meaning and
right thinking Zoroastrians would like to see this congress to be a great
success; in fact, one which will generate greater harmony and unity amongst our
people, globally. If this is the overall mission statement of the congress, then
I am at a loss to understand as to why a non-Zoroastrian who is not even on the
periphery of our community, is being allowed to be a divisive force within the
confabulations of the congress.
I am referring to the possible inclusion of Mr. Ali Jaffrey
whom I gather may be allowed to participate and indeed to speak at this
gathering. Over the years, Mr. Jaffrey's words and deeds have sought to insult
and malign our clergy, demean our customs and traditions and denigrate our
prayers and rituals, suggesting that his agenda is far removed from one that
would foster community strength and well-being.
I remember his participation some years ago, at the North
American Houston Congress, when instead of focussing on his topic of Islam and
Zoroastrianism (which is what he was invited to speak on), he digressed and went
into the merits of conversion, way beyond the scope of his talk. Do we want
somebody who is indisciplined in thought, disrespectful to the religion and one
who, above all, has a single point agenda of Islamicizing Zoroastrianism, and
turning our religion into a watered-down version of Shi'ite Islam, so that it is
pallatable to his group of Muslim converts?
Mr. Jaffrey and his supporters seek to promote an ideology which in no way adheres to classical Zoroastrianism as prac6sed over the millennia and a majority of the community. globally, in my opinion, find his actions and the surreptitious promotion of his cult to be distasteful and clearly unacceptable. In fact, his active policy of conversion Should be ,,,,, for grave concern to your executive board, as an invitation from your congress committee will convey to him and his cult followers, a sense of approval and legitimacy which they are so desperately seeking. We have thousands of Iranian Zoroastrians living in and around the environs of Yazd ~ whose lives and properties, I fear will be put in jeopardy, if Mr. Jaffery is invited to the Congress. Moreover, it Will give a clear signal to the Iranian Government, (Specially as this world congress will receive widespread publicity in the Indian newspapers), that the Zoroastrians are actively endorsing a proselytizing policy in direct conflict with Islam. Can we risk the lives of thousands of innocent Zoroastrians as a trade-off for supporting Mr. Jaffrey and his minions at the altar of political expediency? I for one, would not like to have the death of even a single Zoroastrian on my conscience.
Moreover, from another perspective, why should the non participation of his Zarathushtrian Assembly supporters, cause consternation amongst the Congress authorities? After all, I am sure that your board h,, ensured an equity and balance of speakers from a wide spectrum of religious perspectives and so why then should Mr. Jaffrey's candidature be accepted, particularly in view of the Kansas resolution passed against him? Are we again to infer that there is a hidden agenda which is not in the best interests of our community, globally?
If the argument of freedom of speech and action are given,
then surely as good democrats, we should accede to the will of the majority of
our community on a world-wide basis, if this indeed
is deemed to be a world congress! Furthermore, if the actions of an individual
or a small group are so divisive and
politically motivated, then I believe that the congress authorities should take
a principled stand and not succumb to pressure.
I now gather, via
the internet, that some members of your executive board have sought to
honour Mr. Ali Jaffrey for his alleged scholarship by surreptitiously,
obtaining letters from those who have
been misled through guile and deceit. I am indeed shocked and saddened as to how
and why some organizers of the World Congress 2000, can be so short-sighted and
insensitive, as to felicitate someone who has always hurled insults with malice,
on our religion and on members of the Parsi Zoroastrian community!
No doubt, many other concerned Zoroastrians have voiced
their opinion to debar Mr. Ali Jaffrey and his followers from being allowed to
attend this congress. I share their common concern and anxiety and join them In
asking that your team NOT allow Mr. Ali Jaffrey or his followers to
attend the congress.
Let not a future generation of historians write that the involvement of one man and his coterie of followers, brought disaffection, rancour and disharmony into the smooth workings of this World Congress.
May wise counsel and the Truth prevail in your weekend deliberations.
Peace & Light,
Khojeste Mistree.
* * *
LINKS:
To read the Relevant Reply, CLICK
Khojesteh Mistree's Allegation (Response by Jafarey)
TABLE OF CONTENTS and Their Links
Introduction & the Gist of "The Plain Reality Behind The Intricate Falsity"
Analysis of the 26-page "Global Protest"