Free the Hikers Update

Dear Friends and Supporters,


April 7th was the 250th day of Shane, Sarah and Josh's detention. 250 is a number that was as inconceivable to us when this ordeal started as it is excruciating now to endure. One day can feel like a year. We can only imagine what Shane, Sarah and Josh might be thinking and feeling. They are beautiful, amazing and strong people but their spirits need our support. We marked this sad milestone on Sunday with vigils in the hikers' hometowns and around the world. Thanks to everyone who helped to organize one, came out to attend one or kept Shane, Sarah and Josh in their thoughts and prayers that day.

At those vigils we encouraged our supporters not only to sign the petition calling on Iranian authorities to release Shane, Sarah and Josh but also to write and telephone President Obama and Secretary Clinton to ensure they are making the happy resolution of the hikers' case a top priority and doing everything they can to end this ordeal. Protecting US citizens wrongfully detained abroad is their obligation and they should be pursuing it vigorously and creatively. Their contact information is pasted below.

President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
202-456-1111

Secretary Hillary Clinton
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20520
202-647-4000

In addition to the vigils and letters we ask that you please consider making a donation to the Free the Hikers cause. The mothers have submitted visa applications to travel to Iran on January 6 and we impatiently wait for those visas to be approved. As soon as they are approved the three mothers will prepare their bags to give Shane, Sarah and Josh long overdue hugs and do their best to convince Iranian authorities that they do not deserve to be held a moment longer.

This possible trip like many other elements of the campaign means incurring significant expenses. We are very grateful for any help you can provide in these tough times. We now have a tax-deductible way of making contributions. Please see the letter below.

But even more important than your financial support, we need your voice. Have your professional networks and groups you are associated with pass resolutions and speak out on behalf of the hikers: call the situation as you see it, use your own words, be firm but respectful. This month is a critical month. We need your support now more than ever. Please raise your voice and take action on your own. We only ask that you be clear, if there is any doubt, that you are speaking as a concerned supporter and not as a member of one of the families. We have a new forum for friends and supporters, http://www.blog.freethehikers.org. For those of you who know Shane, Josh and Sarah please leave anecdotes about them that show them for who they are, and those who don't know them personally feel free to share your thoughts and feelings on their ongoing detention.

One correction from what has been widely reported. We have always maintained that IF Shane, Sarah and Josh crossed the border, they crossed by accident. The conditional element is an important one to maintain, as we do not know their precise coordinates when they were detained.

Thanks again for all your support. We will not stop advocating for our loved ones release until they are home and we urge you not to stop either.
With Love and Gratitude,
The Bauer, Shourd and Fattal Families