April 25, 2007
Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran,
I am Christine Levinson. My husband, Robert, has been missing since he traveled to Kish Island on March 8, 2007. I have not heard from him since then. Last week it was reported that your government responded to a request for information about my husband’s whereabouts. I am thankful there is communication between our governments in regards to my husband.
I am more hopeful about my efforts to find my husband since I read your letter to the American people from November 29, 2006. I’ve read your letter many times. The sincerity of your words encouraged me to write to you as I am faced with the greatest difficulty of my life.
You wrote about your anxieties and concerns regarding the difficulties faced by the noble people living in your part of the world. You expressed your belief in “the promotion of human ideals such as compassion, empathy, respect for the rights of human beings, securing justice and equity, and defending the innocent and weak against oppressors and bullies.” You prayed for us and for all nations of the world to be blessed with dignity and success.
The challenges and difficulties you face as the president of a powerful nation are impossible for me to comprehend. Knowing the hardship, suffering and tragedy faced by many people in your part of the world, I feel conflicted when asking for your consideration. But as a wife and a mother, I am compelled to do so.
You wrote, “We are all inclined towards the good, and towards extending a helping hand to one another, particularly to those in need.” I need your help. Our seven children need your help.
You wrote, “We all detest darkness, deceit, lies and distortion, and seek and admire salvation, enlightenment, sincerity and honesty.” The silence is darkness to me. I only seek to know the truth about what happened to my husband and where he is right now.
I am confident that you, the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, will be able to use your power and ability to find out what happened to my husband. I am hopeful that you can locate him and help him get home to be with his family.
You wrote, “Our nation has always extended its hand of friendship to all other nations of the world.” You have demonstrated that these are not just words with the recent release of the British sailors in March and the release of the French citizen and the pardoning of the two Swedish nationals in April so they could return home to be with their families.
I share your belief that “both our nations are God-fearing, truth-loving and justice-seeking.” I would use the same words to describe my husband, Robert.
I am hopeful that, with your guidance, we will know best how to proceed in finding my husband and, God-willing, bringing him home.
I made contact with Mr. Zareef, the Permanent Representative to the Iranian Mission at the United Nations in hope that this letter would be delivered to you. I hope you are comfortable using Mr. Zareef as a point of contact for me. If you prefer, I’ll provide you with any other method of contacting me that you deem necessary.
I await your response.
Sincerely,
Christine Levinson