Masoumeh Ghavi
Masi Ghavi - Innocent victim of PS752 Flight
Born(1989-01-17)January 17, 1989
Iran
DiedJanuary 8, 2020(2020-01-08) (aged 30)
Near Tehran, Iran
NationalityIranian-Canadian
Occupation(s)Computer Engineer, Telecommunications Specialist
Known forVictim of the PS752 tragedy
Websitehttps://ghavisisters.com/

Masoumeh (Masi) Ghavi (January 17, 1989 – January 8, 2020) was an Iranian-Canadian computer engineer and telecommunications specialist. Known for her technical expertise and humanitarian contributions, she made significant strides in Iran's telecommunications industry before emigrating to Canada, where she continued her studies and career. Her untimely death aboard Flight PS752, downed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) near Tehran, has drawn international attention and outcry.

Early Life and Education

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Masoumeh Ghavi was born on January 17, 1989, in Iran. A top-performing student throughout her academic career, she excelled in mathematics and computer sciences. Ghavi earned her master's degree in Computer Engineering with a specialization in Computer Networks from Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic). She was recognized as a top student and worked closely with the university's Research Center.[1][2]

Career

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Ghavi's professional career was marked by her expertise in telecommunications engineering. She worked as a core network engineer for Mobinnet and MTN Irancell, where she implemented and maintained advanced telecommunications technologies, including WiMAX and 4G networks. She was also involved in early-stage research and adoption of 5G technologies. Ghavi's work extended to sensor networks and advanced networking technologies such as NFV and SDN.[1]

After emigrating to Canada, Ghavi pursued further studies in Internetworking at Dalhousie University in Halifax, where she excelled academically and received grants for her studies. Concurrently, she worked for Hanatech Inc. as a network engineer.[3][2]

Humanitarian Work

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Beyond her professional achievements, Ghavi was dedicated to humanitarian causes. She supported underprivileged individuals with disabilities in South Khorasan Province, Iran, by providing financial assistance for personal needs and purchasing mobility equipment like wheelchairs. Her contributions were described as an extension of her compassionate and empathetic nature.[1][4]

Death and Legacy

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On January 8, 2020, Masoumeh Ghavi and her younger sister, Mahdieh Ghavi, were aboard Flight PS752, which was downed by surface-to-air missiles launched by the IRGC. All 176 passengers and crew perished in the incident. The sisters were traveling from Tehran to Canada, where they had both embarked on promising academic and professional journeys.[5]

Masoumeh and Mahdieh are buried together in the yard of Imamzadeh Saleh in Tajrish, Tehran. Their shared grave has become a site of remembrance and advocacy for justice for the victims of Flight PS752.[1]

Ghavi Sisters

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Masoumeh (Masi) and Mahdieh Ghavi shared a uniquely close bond. Masoumeh, often seen as a motherly figure to her younger sister, played a key role in helping Mahdieh gain admission to Saint Mary's University in Canada, where Mahdieh planned to pursue her studies in biology. Their relationship was marked by unwavering support and companionship.[2]

Masoumeh returned to Iran in late 2019 to accompany Mahdieh on her journey to Canada, prioritizing her sister's safety and comfort. Tragically, their lives were cut short when Flight PS752 was shot down. The sisters’ legacy of love and ambition continues to inspire those who remember them, as families and organizations push for justice and accountability.[6]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Masoumeh Ghavi". The Association of Families of Flight PS752 Victims / PS752 انجمن خانواده‌های جانباختگان پرواز | PS752Justice. Retrieved 2024-11-12.
  2. ^ a b c "Masi – Ghavi Sisters Foundation". Retrieved 2024-11-12.
  3. ^ "Iran plane crash: The victims of Ukraine Flight PS752". 2020-01-08. Retrieved 2024-11-15.
  4. ^ "Iran: Ukraine Airline Victims' Families Harassed Abused". Human Rights Watch. 2021-05-27. Retrieved 2024-11-12.
  5. ^ Borger, Julian (2022-09-14). "'Our lives are destroyed': families take fight for truth of flight 752 to ICC". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-11-15.
  6. ^ "Experts Accuse Iran of Rights Violations in Downing of PS752". UN News. 2021-02-23. Retrieved 2024-11-12.