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Since 1979 Islamic revolution in Iran, many members of the Baha'i Faith have left their homeland in search of religious freedom. The Baha'i Faith, the largest minority group in Iran has been facing persecutions solely on the basis of their religion. Currently, membership in the Baha'i Faith is cinsidered to be a criminal act punishable under the Islamic government of Iran.

The Baha'i refugees have spread in all countries who have accepted the misplaced persons with open arms. One of these countries is the United States where the Americans have accepted the Baha'is amongst others who seek refuge.

The following is an article that refers to one of the acts of giving by an American musician who annually provides for the internationally known organization "Habitat for Humanity". This organization, through the work of volunteer persons and organizations, builds affordable housing for those less fortunate who otherwise willnot be able to afford a house of their own. Please keep in mind that this article is copyrighted by the publishers of the Citizen-Times and all rights are reserved by that company.

Haynes visits fruit of 2002 Christmas Jam

By Julie Ball, Staff Writer
Dec. 19, 2003 10:39 p.m.

ASHEVILLE - They seem to have very little in common.

Warren Haynes, famed guitarist and Asheville native who splits his time between playing with the legendary Allman Brothers and the band he founded, Gov't Mule.

And Ebrahim and Rezvan Ebrahimnajad, an Iranian couple of the Baha'i faith who came to United States two years ago with their two sons as refugees seeking religious and political freedom.

But Haynes and the Ebrahimnajads came together Friday to celebrate the Ebrahimnajads' new home, built with money Haynes and his fellow musicians raised.

"Amazing," Haynes said. "To know that musicians got together and donated their time and energy, and it turned into this."

Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity built the home using $70,000, money raised at Haynes' annual Christmas Jam last year. The money paid for the land and all the materials in the Ebrahimnajads' new three-bedroom home, said Lew Kraus, executive director of Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity.

Haynes got a first look at the house Friday afternoon. He also met the Ebrahimnajads.

Over the years, Haynes' annual Christmas Jam has raised more than $140,000 for Habitat.

The Ebrahimnajads' new home still needs a little work. But the family is already excited.

"I'm really happy to have my own home," said 11-year-old Erfan Ebrahimnajad as he surveyed his bedroom. "I've got two windows."

"You can't put words on it," said Pat Bacon, family services coordinator for Habitat. Haynes' contribution "is money, but it's home for somebody."

Contact Ball at 232-5851 or JBall@CITIZEN-TIMES.com.

Following is the URL to the original story. The site may have removed or archived this story. URL: http://cgi.citizen-times.com/cgi-bin/story/buncombe_news/46992

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