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We live in a world where war can erupt at any time, and Fatemeh Sakhtemani's story is a tangible example of this. An Iranian architect, she faced uncertainty and danger while in Iran with her child. Her experience invites us to reflect on what it means to live in a conflict zone and how fear can affect our daily lives.
A journey full of tension
Fatemeh embarked on a three-day journey, a mix of anguish and hope, heading towards the border with Azerbaijan. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, especially about the risk of not being able to return to Italy. In such an unstable context, the Italian Carabinieri offered her reassurance, demonstrating that they had organized everything meticulously. But despite these promises, her little boy perceived the stress of the situation. Back in Parma, Fatemeh remembers the terror that accompanied her as the bombs hit Tehran. Her home, now far away, is marked by a conflict that brings to the surface past traumas.
“Since the first Israeli attack, my parents and I have fled the capital to the countryside,” she says. Memories of the sirens and bombs of 1980s Iraq haunt her family, while the current conflict rekindles the pain of a never-forgotten past. The fear of losing loved ones is palpable, but Fatemeh’s determination to protect her baby gives her the courage she needs to face the situation.
The reality of an impending attack
When Fatemeh returned to Tehran, her travel plans were completely upended. With a return ticket set for June 17, her hopes were shattered as the bombs began to fall. “I felt trapped,” she says, noting that her goal of completing the process for Italian citizenship was put on the back burner next to survival. The closure of the airspace made her situation even more desperate.
The call to the Italian embassy was a turning point. Giuseppe, a switchboard operator, responded with empathy and humanity, reassuring Fatemeh in a moment of panic. His promise of help was a beacon of hope in a sea of uncertainty. “I wasn’t alone, and that gave me the strength to face the situation,” Fatemeh reflects.
A Mother's Resilience
Despite the difficulties, Fatemeh tried to maintain a peaceful environment for her child. Playing and laughing together was a way to cope with the fear that surrounded them. “I didn’t want my son to experience the trauma of war,” she confides. However, being separated from his grandparents, with whom the child had developed a strong bond, made the departure even more painful.
Reflecting deeply on her identity, Fatemeh concludes, “I always feel a little Iranian.” Her hope is to see an end to conflict, so that no one has to live in fear. Her story is a call to human resilience, a reminder that despite adversity, there are always ways to find light even in the darkest of times.
Actionable Takeaways
Fatemeh's story offers us valuable lessons: the first is that resilience is essential in crisis situations. Every founder and professional should be ready to face uncertainty and find creative ways to remain calm and productive. Also, solidarity and mutual support can make the difference in times of difficulty. Finally, it is important not to forget the value of family and relationships, which represent a safe harbor even in the stormiest times.