I first met Nasser Zaghi in March 2006. We formed an instant bond that day, discussing much more than the business at hand. I learned a great deal about the man and his remarkable dedication to peace education for the world. I understood Mr. Zaghi’s extraordinary desire and devotion to making our world a better place by promoting love and peace. Over the past six years, he has devoted nearly one hundred percent of his time to introducing his definition of love and peace, not only to the United States but to the world. Zaghi has an incredible vision: world peace is possible through love. I am a witness to his passion and commitment to his mission to deliver peace to the world. His teachings about acceptance, fairness and doing one’s best are inspirational and impeccable principles to live by. I have great admiration for how he established the nonprofit organization, Love Is the Solution (LITS), which is dedicated to international peace education, and turned his dream of creating a Peace Museum and Peace Library into a reality.
When Mr. Zaghi invited me to join the leadership of Love Is the Solution, I did not hesitate for a moment. I joined with him to develop, design, and implement the concept of holding a Teachers’ Peace Gathering in California, Arizona and other states. Educators will gather together with one goal -- to be messengers of peace to the new generation. The project will be expanded globally until this message of peace reaches every corner of the planet.Mr. Zaghi’s suggestion of allocating 1% of the defense budget of every nation to peace would definitely provide support for a number of global peace efforts, including the budget for teachers’ peace gatherings and peace education efforts worldwide. As an example, “in 2010, United States defense expenditures rose to over one trillion dollars,” according to the 2010 Agency Financial Report from the office of the United States Under Secretary of Defense. One percent of this budget is ten billion dollars, which is more than enough for peace education in USA. The same 1% of total defense budgets of all nations will easily cover peace education all over the world. The long term result of peace education will be a tremendous reduction in world conflict, leading to world peace and a harmonious life for all. Love is the Solution is committed to encouraging all nations to establish a Peace Department, which in itself will be a significant move towards world peace.
Mr. Zaghi has my full confidence and support in this quest to eliminate hatred and war. I will continue to stand next to Mr. Zaghi in reaching out to the world leaders and other peace groups to receive all the help and assistance we need as we walk the pathway to a common goal; and that goal is peace and harmony all over the world.
Biography
John F. Rastegar, Ph.D., was born in Iran. He holds master’s degrees in Agriculture, Horticulture and Economy from Universities of Tabriz and Tehran. In Iran, Mr. Rastegar was involved in the management of Dasht e Maghan, the largest government agro-industry investment coalition in the country. After migrating to the United States, he built a successful career in Financial Planning and Insurance and earned several awards and recognitions from leading insurance companies. Through his commitment, passion, perseverance and dedication, John completed his Doctorate’s Degree in Business Administration from the United States International University in California. He later earned his Real Estate Broker Licenses in California and Arizona and became affiliated with various international professional groups, such as International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), International Million Dollar Round Table. He is also certified by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture in Planning. With his achievements and skills, people come to him to seek his expertise and advice. In spite of his abundant success and busy schedule, John never forgets to take the time to give back to the community by remaining active in numerous community service organizations.