Gay Iranian poet flees persecution, finds himself in Israel

[ericson00]

LINK: http://bigstory.ap.org/article/e854febbe1c0434d983de067cd20efc9/gay-iranian-poet-flees-persecution-finds-himself-israel

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Payam Feili fled his native Iran last year because of the persecution he faced over his sexuality. Now, the gay poet has made a years-long dream come true — he is visiting Israel, Iran's archenemy and a country known for its tolerance toward gays.

But the 30-year-old Feili stands out not only because of his arrival in a country so at odds with his own, but because of his professed adoration for the state some Iranian leaders have dubbed a cancer and have called to be wiped off the map.

"I still can't believe I am here," the soft-spoken Feili said in Farsi, speaking through his translator and the friend who brought him to Israel, Adi Liberman.

"All the stupid and ridiculous threats the regime issues against Israel have never influenced me and will never influence me," he said.

[Betty Karlson]

1. I wish Mr. Feili the very best. Glad he is safe now.

Edit: I'm also glad to hear that Mr. Liberman is one of those decent Israelis who help persecuted individuals to a place of safety. (Clearly, Netanyahu doesn't represent all of Israel.)