Speaking in the closing ceremony of the Third International Imam Reza Media Festival in the shrine with media figures in attendance, Hoj Ahmad Marvi said: “From an Islamic point of view, arrogance, delusions of grandeur, and snobbery are highly disapproved of while healthy perseverance and competition to accomplish goals is highly valued”.

He cited taking part in such an event to express virtues, righteous behavior, divine lifestyle, and make proof of God known to society as manifestations of righteousness , saying: “Participating in such festivals, which are aimed at inviting society to human and ethical ethos, and gaining perfection, is more spiritual rather than material”.

Appreciating the work of participants and those in charge of the event, the custodian stressed: “We shouldn’t neglect the outcome of this event; the extent to which artistic, scientific and promotional events can influence the public need to be investigated, so that we know how far the festival could fulfill its objectives in familiarizing society with Imam Reza’s culture”.

As for the submitted works, Hoj Marvi added that the referees should take heed of qualities such as the extent of conveying message and effectiveness of the artistic, scientific and cultural works.

Further in his remarks, the custodian touched upon Israeli atrocities in the recent escalation in the occupied territories and the Gaza Strip and noted: “We’re witnessing unprecedented violence at the hands of the Israeli regime against the oppressed Palestinian people. Not only does the murderous Israeli army bomb a hospital and kill hundreds of health workers and innocent people, but also the shameless US president falsely attributes the crime to Palestinians themselves. Today, those who have the divine blessing of artistic talents need to carry out their duty in clarifying the situation and enlightening the minds”.

“Artists have to take the initiative to blow the whistle on these crimes by coining terms; although, articles and analyses are very efficient, works such as poems will have everlasting impacts for concepts and incidents”, continued Hoj Marvi.

He urged the artists to take action to disgrace such a brazen lie by the US president to attribute the crime to Palestinians.

The custodian concluded his remarks by saying: “The crimes of the Israeli regime are denounced by all conscientious people in the world today. The Al-Aqsa Flood Operation hasn’t been an attack, rather it’s been a defense against 70 years of oppression, crime and massacre. It’s imperative that artists reveal this truth”.