Reading lists and articles featuring Zahed Haftlang

Zahed Haftlang Biography

Zahed Haftlang was born on January 1, 1980, in Iran. He grew up in a small village in the province of Khuzestan. Zahed’s childhood was marked by poverty and hardship, as his family struggled to make ends meet. Despite the challenges, Zahed showed great determination and resilience from a young age.

In 1980, when Zahed was just a few months old, the Iran-Iraq War broke out. This conflict would have a profound impact on Zahed’s life. At the age of 13, Zahed joined the Basij, a paramilitary volunteer force, and was sent to the front lines to fight against the Iraqi forces. He witnessed the horrors of war and experienced the loss of friends and comrades.

In 1986, Zahed and his brother were captured by Iraqi soldiers during a battle. They were taken as prisoners of war and endured years of captivity and mistreatment. Zahed’s brother tragically lost his life during their imprisonment, which deeply affected Zahed.

In 1989, Zahed had a life-changing encounter with an Iraqi soldier named Najah Aboud. Despite being on opposite sides of the war, Zahed and Najah formed a bond of friendship and compassion. Zahed risked his own safety to protect Najah from harm and even saved his life on multiple occasions.

After the war ended in 1988, Zahed and Najah went their separate ways. However, their paths crossed again in 2003 when Zahed recognized Najah in a documentary about the Iran-Iraq War. Zahed reached out to Najah, and they were reunited in a powerful moment of reconciliation and forgiveness.

Zahed and Najah’s remarkable story of friendship and forgiveness gained international attention. They co-authored a book titled “I, Who Did Not Die” which chronicles their experiences during the war and their journey towards reconciliation. The book has been widely praised for its powerful message of hope and humanity.

Zahed and Najah’s story has inspired countless individuals around the world. They have been invited to speak at various conferences and events, sharing their message of peace and forgiveness. Their book has received critical acclaim and has been translated into multiple languages.