Growing Together

Philadelphia has become a key city where many Iranians enter the U.S., and over the past two years, more newcomers have turned to us for support. Philly is becoming a hub because of essential resources like Wills Eye Institute, which provides medical care to survivors of torture, including members of our Iranian community. Paired with the advocacy work of Philly Iranians, we are gaining more attention and expanding our reach.

In order for the Iranian community to unite, we must first establish a foundation of trust and build a sense of belonging and connection among the local Iranian community. Iranians are known to be among the world’s most hospitable people, so it’s only right that we reignite this compassion and kindness in the City of Brotherly Love—not just for newcomers but within our own diaspora and for Philadelphia as a whole.

Join our community!

As we evolve, we’re expanding our efforts to provide tangible support for Iranian immigrants entering our city. We’re looking for community members who are willing to volunteer their time in small, intentional ways—whether it’s offering guidance on navigating the city, helping with language barriers, or simply being a welcoming presence. These microcosms of community can make a world of difference.

If you’re curious, if you’re looking for ways to get involved, reach out! You can set up a meeting with someone from our Community Liaison & Outreach Team to learn more about how you can contribute.

Philly Iranians has always been a space of culture, resistance, and care. If you want to be part of shaping this next chapter, DM us or comment below—let’s build together!

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Resource Spotlight: Wills Eye Foundation

Established on behalf of victims of violence throughout the world, the Eyes on Humanity Fund at Wills Eye Hospital was inspired by the incredible and heartbreaking story of Raheleh, a victim of violence in Iran and now a patient at Wills Eye.

After Raheleh was shot in the right eye at close range during a Woman, Life, Freedom demonstration, she spent a year seeking international ophthalmic care before coming to Philadelphia for consultation and treatment at Wills Eye – and undergoing a complicated combined cornea and retina surgery to restore her vision.

The Eyes on Humanity Fund will support care for patients like Raheleh, whose vision might otherwise have been irreparably lost.

With thanks due to a generous community of donors for their personal and philanthropic support of this project, the Eyes on Humanity Fund will create a model for ophthalmic assistance for victims of eye injuries.

To learn more, please contact the Wills Eye Foundation at giving@willseye.org or 215-440-3154, or go to https://www.willseye.org/.