Jesús Armas ’23 Returns to I-House at Candlelight Sunday Supper

Another academic year at I-House drew to a close with a memorable Candlelight Sunday Supper in Davis Hall on May 3. The event welcomed the return of I-House alumnus and human rights activist Jesús Armas ’23, who served as keynote speaker.

President & CEO Sebastian Fries offered welcoming remarks in which he recalled a vibrant and active year in the House, with shout-outs to residents for their remarkable engagement and enthusiasm. He commended their courage for staying positive, active, and involved in the community during a challenging year in the U.S. and abroad.

“Things have been difficult to say the least. Times are challenging. Many of you have been directly impacted by these challenges,” he said. “And yet, you have stayed strong. You have chosen to live in community, in our I-House community, and treat each other with empathy and respect. And many of you have responded with courage even in the face of adversity.”

In welcoming Armas to the stage, Fries invoked what it means to show bravery in the face of extreme adversity. “Tonight I spoke about courage,” he said. “I am convinced that after listening to Jesús, you will all agree with me that courage is alive in this world.”

Armas is a pro-democracy activist, human rights defender, and former public servant. He garnered international attention in 2024 when he was abducted and detained by Venezuelan security forces. His detention as a political prisoner inspired global advocacy for his release, including the viral #FreeJesusArmas movement started by members of his Obama Scholars cohort and fellow I-House alumni.

But even as friends, family, and allies campaigned for his freedom, Armas would ultimately spend more than a year in one of Venezuela’s most notorious political prisons, having no contact with the outside world and little idea if he would ever be free.

“No name, no voice,” he recalled. “What I discovered in that cell is the intimate nature of freedom. When they take everything from you, you are left with only one thing: the decision of who you are in the dark.”

Armas was ultimately freed in January of 2026, following the sudden ouster of former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro. In his remarks to the I-House community, he spoke at length about the ongoing struggle for democracy in his home country and the value of continued advocacy on behalf of all Venezuelans.

“I’m still working for freedom and democracy in my country. There’s still a risk. Many friends and journalists ask me all the time, why do I keep going?” he said. “Let me tell you something: I’m doing this because I have certainty. I have seen a 50-year-old mother camp for almost 200 days for her son’s freedom. I have seen young people defend ballot boxes with their lives. I have seen a community of international students decide that injustice is their problem. That is genuine power.”

In closing, he thanked the I-House community for advocating on his behalf and made a solemn request of residents and guests.

“I ask you to now make this a permanent principle here in the House, as many of you will occupy positions of power: Do not take democracy for granted—never,” he said. “Freedom is not free. It never was. But I guarantee you this: It is worth every cent of the price.”

Armas’ return to International House was punctuated with a standing ovation in Davis Hall.

The evening’s program also featured current I-House residents. Reshad Sharif (Afghanistan) served as master of ceremonies, and Nia-Hyatt Eldosougi (USA) blessed the meal. Marjan Amiri (Afghanistan/Germany) delivered an inspiring resident spotlight speech about her upbringing and immigration to the United States. Guests were also treated to a moving musical performance featuring Mai Elgizouli (Sudan), Brendalys Lebron (USA), Fortune Ogulere (Nigeria), Anastasia Prodromidis (USA), Issac Carbajal (USA), Wesley Schmidt (USA), and Arundhati Pandey (India).

The I-House Class Gift Committee celebrated its successful resident fundraising campaign, having raised a grand total of $11,741. The committee chose to allocate the funds to help revitalize the community space on the Abby O’Neill Patio.

As the evening came to a close, Residents’ Council president Dawood Ghauri (USA) led the candlelight pledge, while this year’s council members passed the flame. Fries offered closing remarks and bid farewell to this year’s departing residents.

“For our residents who are leaving us, this is a bittersweet moment. I congratulate you and wish you all the best as you move to the next exciting step in your lives,” he said. “When I see you again, I hope we can sit down for a nice dinner and celebrate the unwritten rule of I-House: Never eat alone!”