The Honorable Rahm Emanuel, Mayor of Chicago:
"I would like to offer thanks to Consul General Roey Gilad, and also express my appreciation to Rabbi Michael Siegel and Anshe Emet Synagogue for hosting this momentous occasion. Thank you to the children's choir of Maccabim, Rabbi Yona Reiss, Guy Sagy, Hadar Noiberg, Amos Hoffman, Jacqueline Saper, Professor Isaac Cohen, and all those who contributed to tonight's event."
Link to the letter from Mayor Rahm Emanuel
"I would like to offer thanks to Consul General Roey Gilad, and also express my appreciation to Rabbi Michael Siegel and Anshe Emet Synagogue for hosting this momentous occasion. Thank you to the children's choir of Maccabim, Rabbi Yona Reiss, Guy Sagy, Hadar Noiberg, Amos Hoffman, Jacqueline Saper, Professor Isaac Cohen, and all those who contributed to tonight's event."
Link to the letter from Mayor Rahm Emanuel
The Honorable Roey Gilad, Consul General of Israel to the Midwest:
"I would like to thank you for taking such an important part in the very special evening we held on December 14th to commemorate the 1st Israeli National Day for the Jewish Refugees from Arab Countries and Iran. The event was extremely important for us and your contribution for its success is highly appreciated." Link to the letter
Beth Peres, Program Director for the Center for Interfaith Engagement at Niagara Foundation: "I had the pleasure or listening to Jacqueline Saper speak at West Suburban Har Zion Temple on March 1, 2015. With a smile on her face and a sweet demeanor, Ms. Saper told us about her life before, during, and after the revolution in Iran. She did so with neutrality, with a PowerPoint filled with family pictures, and much more. It would be very easy to wag a finger and declare the revolution a horrible thing. But Ms. Saper simply supplied her listeners with the background of Iran, personal recollections, and factual information which allowed the audience to envision her life and the events surrounding her. I absolutely loved the presentation, and have asked her to speak for my organization." Link to event recap
"I would like to thank you for taking such an important part in the very special evening we held on December 14th to commemorate the 1st Israeli National Day for the Jewish Refugees from Arab Countries and Iran. The event was extremely important for us and your contribution for its success is highly appreciated." Link to the letter
Beth Peres, Program Director for the Center for Interfaith Engagement at Niagara Foundation: "I had the pleasure or listening to Jacqueline Saper speak at West Suburban Har Zion Temple on March 1, 2015. With a smile on her face and a sweet demeanor, Ms. Saper told us about her life before, during, and after the revolution in Iran. She did so with neutrality, with a PowerPoint filled with family pictures, and much more. It would be very easy to wag a finger and declare the revolution a horrible thing. But Ms. Saper simply supplied her listeners with the background of Iran, personal recollections, and factual information which allowed the audience to envision her life and the events surrounding her. I absolutely loved the presentation, and have asked her to speak for my organization." Link to event recap
Trudy Leong, Station Manager at WZRD, Chicago 88.3 FM,
"Thank you, Jacqueline Saper, author of From Miniskirt to Hijab: A Girl in Revolutionary Iran, for your interview on WZRD Chicago 88.3 FM, and your insight into Iranian Revolutionary thought and culture, as well as the Iranian experience with persecution and repression, and other revelations about Iranian business and social media climate, and Iranian disposition toward Americans."
Hilarie H. Lieb Ph.D., Northwestern University, Department of Economics, Associate Professor of Instruction, Evanston, IL:
"I wished you were part of our local community...for now you are an honorary member."
"Thank you, Jacqueline Saper, author of From Miniskirt to Hijab: A Girl in Revolutionary Iran, for your interview on WZRD Chicago 88.3 FM, and your insight into Iranian Revolutionary thought and culture, as well as the Iranian experience with persecution and repression, and other revelations about Iranian business and social media climate, and Iranian disposition toward Americans."
Hilarie H. Lieb Ph.D., Northwestern University, Department of Economics, Associate Professor of Instruction, Evanston, IL:
"I wished you were part of our local community...for now you are an honorary member."
Rabbi Ken Aronowitz, Temple Emanu El, Honolulu, Hawaii:
"Thank you for sharing your impressions of last night's event and for adding to the life of our community. I hope that we will have the opportunity again to have you with us."
Ribhi Salhi, Professor of Political Science specializing in the Middle East, Southeast Asian governments, Social Revolutions, International Terrorism, Muslim Politics, and the U.S. Foreign Policy:
"You are now highly nominated by this great institution for this award. So you are going to be the ambassador for Oakton's mission and vision, and a great model for equity, equality, and diversity."
Lyndon Allen, Pastor of Woodmont Bible Church in Nashville, Tennessee, Central Regional Coordinator -CUFI: "Thank you for your contribution to what was a great event tonight! SUPERB testimony! Blessings to you and yours. Thanks again!"
Suzannah Warlick, Director of the Santa Clarita, California CBS Series:
"I thought the program went very well. A lot of people were asking for your website, the spelling of your name, and your e-mail address. I'm going to order my book."
Michele Lobl, quoted in The Signal newspaper about the CBS film series:
“I really loved hearing the interview because she was there and it was all from her point of view.”
"Thank you for sharing your impressions of last night's event and for adding to the life of our community. I hope that we will have the opportunity again to have you with us."
Ribhi Salhi, Professor of Political Science specializing in the Middle East, Southeast Asian governments, Social Revolutions, International Terrorism, Muslim Politics, and the U.S. Foreign Policy:
"You are now highly nominated by this great institution for this award. So you are going to be the ambassador for Oakton's mission and vision, and a great model for equity, equality, and diversity."
Lyndon Allen, Pastor of Woodmont Bible Church in Nashville, Tennessee, Central Regional Coordinator -CUFI: "Thank you for your contribution to what was a great event tonight! SUPERB testimony! Blessings to you and yours. Thanks again!"
Suzannah Warlick, Director of the Santa Clarita, California CBS Series:
"I thought the program went very well. A lot of people were asking for your website, the spelling of your name, and your e-mail address. I'm going to order my book."
Michele Lobl, quoted in The Signal newspaper about the CBS film series:
“I really loved hearing the interview because she was there and it was all from her point of view.”
Deborah S. Gold, Director of Southeast Region, American Committee for Shaare Zedek, Miami Beach, FL:
"I wanted to thank you for a beautiful afternoon. The feedback has been wonderful and even those who did not attend have told me that they heard you were wonderful!! Thank you again for such a wonderful presentation. It was a privilege to meet you."
Amy Stoken, Director, AJC Chicago:
"You were a huge contribution! Thank you so much for participating last night – we have received nothing but tremendous feedback on the night and you! As you know, it was a new program for us – and you helped make it a success and an event we plan to continue."
"I wanted to thank you for a beautiful afternoon. The feedback has been wonderful and even those who did not attend have told me that they heard you were wonderful!! Thank you again for such a wonderful presentation. It was a privilege to meet you."
Amy Stoken, Director, AJC Chicago:
"You were a huge contribution! Thank you so much for participating last night – we have received nothing but tremendous feedback on the night and you! As you know, it was a new program for us – and you helped make it a success and an event we plan to continue."
Marisa Barthel, University of South Carolina Student Health Services, Lead Advocate, Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention & Prevention (SAVIP):
"I look forward to reading your book! As someone who spent a number of years living, working, & vacationing abroad, I know how critical it is to understand & respect cultural & religious sensitivities -- especially when it comes to working cases like this or helping victims (and their families) in the ER, during the darkest moments of their lives. God bless you for what you are doing to open eyes regarding Iranian culture."
Keith Johnson, Professor of Sociology and Microaggression theory - IPSA Conference:
"I really enjoyed the conference and enjoyed meeting you and sharing ideas."
"I look forward to reading your book! As someone who spent a number of years living, working, & vacationing abroad, I know how critical it is to understand & respect cultural & religious sensitivities -- especially when it comes to working cases like this or helping victims (and their families) in the ER, during the darkest moments of their lives. God bless you for what you are doing to open eyes regarding Iranian culture."
Keith Johnson, Professor of Sociology and Microaggression theory - IPSA Conference:
"I really enjoyed the conference and enjoyed meeting you and sharing ideas."
Bekki Harris Kaplan, Executive Director at Beth Emet The Free Synagogue, Evanston, Illinois:
"It was such a treat to meet you yesterday and to learn from you. I’ve always been fascinated w/life in Iran… and so appreciate your insights and stories. Thank you (!!)" Link to letter from Rabbi London
"It was such a treat to meet you yesterday and to learn from you. I’ve always been fascinated w/life in Iran… and so appreciate your insights and stories. Thank you (!!)" Link to letter from Rabbi London
Diana Kindzred, Co-founder of the American Sephardi Federation-Midwest Chapter, and educator of health care promotion and education to minority and immigrant women:
“You were FABULOUS !!! So many people enjoyed your lecture - I knew you'd be great! I'm so glad & blessed that I met you and perhaps you can be part of my film project.”
“You were FABULOUS !!! So many people enjoyed your lecture - I knew you'd be great! I'm so glad & blessed that I met you and perhaps you can be part of my film project.”
Wendy Maier-Sarati, Professor of History, Oakton Community College, Skokie, Illinois:
The presentation was incredible and very moving. I am honored to know you. The students have been so thankful to have met you and were honored to have made your acquaintance."
For the History Department Lecture: "Thank you again for coming to lecture to the students today. So many students stopped by to say thank you to you for giving them such a terrific, honest, and respectful lecture." Link to letter
The presentation was incredible and very moving. I am honored to know you. The students have been so thankful to have met you and were honored to have made your acquaintance."
For the History Department Lecture: "Thank you again for coming to lecture to the students today. So many students stopped by to say thank you to you for giving them such a terrific, honest, and respectful lecture." Link to letter
Emily Farr: Founder of Myra, Chicago's all-female speakers bureau:
"Thank you so much for the wonderful evening at Myra. The audience truly enjoyed every minute of your talk, and I am very grateful. Your insight into the world today left us all more aware and inspired!"
Link to Myra Talks Speakers Bureau
"Thank you so much for the wonderful evening at Myra. The audience truly enjoyed every minute of your talk, and I am very grateful. Your insight into the world today left us all more aware and inspired!"
Link to Myra Talks Speakers Bureau
Doris Lazarus, Docent and Certified Speaker at the Holocaust Museum, Skokie, Illinois:
"Your program was very informative and you spoke so beautifully about a painful topic that we all need
to learn more about. I could've listened to you for hours."
"Your program was very informative and you spoke so beautifully about a painful topic that we all need
to learn more about. I could've listened to you for hours."
Stephanie Chavara, Actor, writer, and teaching artist at Remy Bumppo, Adventure Stage, Dog + Pony, Signal Ensemble, Strawdog, and TimeLine, Chicago, Illinois:
"Jacqueline, AMAZING work today!!! I just wanted to congratulate you on a powerful story. Thank you for sharing it with us. It was wonderful, and I was just enjoying the experience!"
David Y. Chack, President of the Association for Jewish Theater, and faculty at Northwestern University in the Theater Department and Jewish Studies:
"I thought things went very well and the movie with you was wonderful. Thank you."
Alan Dorek, GEL Director, Northfield, IL:
"Jacqueline,the pleasure was all ours, you were terrific. I’m sorry that we didn’t have more time as your story line was great. "
"Jacqueline, AMAZING work today!!! I just wanted to congratulate you on a powerful story. Thank you for sharing it with us. It was wonderful, and I was just enjoying the experience!"
David Y. Chack, President of the Association for Jewish Theater, and faculty at Northwestern University in the Theater Department and Jewish Studies:
"I thought things went very well and the movie with you was wonderful. Thank you."
Alan Dorek, GEL Director, Northfield, IL:
"Jacqueline,the pleasure was all ours, you were terrific. I’m sorry that we didn’t have more time as your story line was great. "
Rachael Josephsen, Events Associate, Jewish United Fund:
"Again, let me say what a pleasure it was meeting you finally and hearing your speech. It was very powerful, moving and educational. I sincerely hope to work with you again in the future. The women at Green Acres loved you and many of them asked to be kept informed of your book’s progress and release date. Please pass that information along when you have it."
Adele Gorenstein, Simon Wiesenthal Center, Co-chair of the Education Committee:
"I want to tell you how much I enjoyed your presentation yesterday. It was inspiring and educational. I learned so much and admire you more for what you endured during the turmoil and upheaval in Tehran. So happy I met you."
Laurie Hanan, Author of the Louise Golden Hawaiian Mysteries:
"I enjoyed your excellent talk at Temple Emanu-El very much tonight. You made a lot of things about Iran easier to understand."
Rabbi Dovid Flinkenstein/ Chabad of Wilmette - Center for Jewish Life and Learning:
"Thank you Jacqueline for your very enjoyable, informative and engaging presentation this past Sunday. Community members were fascinated to learn more about the longstanding history of the Jewish community in Persia and the contemporary Islamic revolution in Iran through your personal story."
"Again, let me say what a pleasure it was meeting you finally and hearing your speech. It was very powerful, moving and educational. I sincerely hope to work with you again in the future. The women at Green Acres loved you and many of them asked to be kept informed of your book’s progress and release date. Please pass that information along when you have it."
Adele Gorenstein, Simon Wiesenthal Center, Co-chair of the Education Committee:
"I want to tell you how much I enjoyed your presentation yesterday. It was inspiring and educational. I learned so much and admire you more for what you endured during the turmoil and upheaval in Tehran. So happy I met you."
Laurie Hanan, Author of the Louise Golden Hawaiian Mysteries:
"I enjoyed your excellent talk at Temple Emanu-El very much tonight. You made a lot of things about Iran easier to understand."
Rabbi Dovid Flinkenstein/ Chabad of Wilmette - Center for Jewish Life and Learning:
"Thank you Jacqueline for your very enjoyable, informative and engaging presentation this past Sunday. Community members were fascinated to learn more about the longstanding history of the Jewish community in Persia and the contemporary Islamic revolution in Iran through your personal story."
Dotty Levant, Manager, Robineau Residence, Skokie, Illinois:
"Many, many thanks again for the marvelous talk you presented to the Robineau Residents. You provided a new understanding of history both past and present and the current conditions in the Middle East." Link to letter
Leah Polin, Vice President of education at Hadassah, Chicago-North Shore, Past Executive Director at Dawn Schuman Institute for Jewish Learning, Chicago, IL: "Loved your program."
Dr. Raymond Newgard: "Thank you for the nice presentation today... The chronology of your life
experience in Iran; was supplemented by your review of its history.. Wow."
"Many, many thanks again for the marvelous talk you presented to the Robineau Residents. You provided a new understanding of history both past and present and the current conditions in the Middle East." Link to letter
Leah Polin, Vice President of education at Hadassah, Chicago-North Shore, Past Executive Director at Dawn Schuman Institute for Jewish Learning, Chicago, IL: "Loved your program."
Dr. Raymond Newgard: "Thank you for the nice presentation today... The chronology of your life
experience in Iran; was supplemented by your review of its history.. Wow."
Joan Waxman, Program Manager, Education programs, North Shore Senior Center, Northfield, IL:
"Jacqueline, It was our pleasure to have you share your fascinating story. And judging from the program evaluations, our participants felt the same way!"
Hannah Cartwright, Supervising Immigration Attorney at the National Immigrant Justice Center:
"Jacqueline, thank you so much for all your help with practicing, preparation, interpretation, and translation for our case during the summer and fall, especially of your time on some of the difficult conversation days. I never would have been able to represent our client adequately without your help and generosity. Your hard work was invaluable and we at NIJC can’t thank you enough."
"Jacqueline, It was our pleasure to have you share your fascinating story. And judging from the program evaluations, our participants felt the same way!"
Hannah Cartwright, Supervising Immigration Attorney at the National Immigrant Justice Center:
"Jacqueline, thank you so much for all your help with practicing, preparation, interpretation, and translation for our case during the summer and fall, especially of your time on some of the difficult conversation days. I never would have been able to represent our client adequately without your help and generosity. Your hard work was invaluable and we at NIJC can’t thank you enough."
Benno Weisberg, Deputy General Counsel (Foley & Lardner), Chicago, IL:
"Throughout our work on the case, Ms. Saper was consistently professional and diligent, and a pleasure to work with. I believe Ms. Saper played a crucial role in helping our client achieve a favorable outcome." Link to letter from Foley & Lardner LLP
"Throughout our work on the case, Ms. Saper was consistently professional and diligent, and a pleasure to work with. I believe Ms. Saper played a crucial role in helping our client achieve a favorable outcome." Link to letter from Foley & Lardner LLP
Malachi Leopold, Founder & CEO, Left Brain/Right Brain Productions, LLC:
"Ms. Saper has been our main liaison between the subjects of the movie, who came from two different cultures and languages; and she has managed to clearly convey all the underlying cultural differences."
Link to letter from Left Brain/Right Brain Productions
"Ms. Saper has been our main liaison between the subjects of the movie, who came from two different cultures and languages; and she has managed to clearly convey all the underlying cultural differences."
Link to letter from Left Brain/Right Brain Productions
Hena Mansori, Detention Project Staff Attorney at the National Immigrant Justice Center:
"We are dedicated to ensuring human rights protections and access to justice for all immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers. NIJC has made critical advances in the lives of hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people. That is why we pride ourselves on working with the best professionals. Ms. Saper fulfills all of these qualities and more as she proved her competence in the English and Farsi languages." Link to letter from National Immigrant Justice Center
"We are dedicated to ensuring human rights protections and access to justice for all immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers. NIJC has made critical advances in the lives of hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people. That is why we pride ourselves on working with the best professionals. Ms. Saper fulfills all of these qualities and more as she proved her competence in the English and Farsi languages." Link to letter from National Immigrant Justice Center