RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Simin Behbahani has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 87; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of her passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, Simin Behbahani was a renowned Iranian poet who was widely celebrated around the world; and
WHEREAS, Simin Behbahani was twice nominated for the Nobel Prize in literature and won many international awards in countries including the United States, Norway and Hungary; and
WHEREAS, Affectionately known as "the lioness," a reference to her strong personality, Simin Behbahani began writing poems at a young age; and
WHEREAS, A native of Tehran, Simin Behbahani graduated from Tehran University with a degree in legal studies; and
WHEREAS, Simin Behbahani's writings reflected her deep commitment to human rights, democracy and the rights of the individual; and
WHEREAS, Simin Behbahani modernized the traditional Persian ghazal, a type of verse similar in structure to the English sonnet; and
WHEREAS, Simin Behbahani's poem, "My Country, I Will Build You Again," was mentioned by President Barack Obama in a message intended to improve relations between the United States and the Islamic Republic; and
WHEREAS, The hard work, talent and dedication of Simin Behbahani serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, Simin Behbahani will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by her many relatives, friends and admirers; and
WHEREAS, To her two sons, Ali and Hossein, and her daughter, Omid, Simin Behbahani imparts a legacy of faithfulness, service and dignity; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this tenth day of September, 2014, do hereby commemorate Simin Behbahani for her grace-filled life and do hereby express our condolences to her family; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Simin Behbahani.