Members of the Iranian Jewish community have emerged as some of the most outspoken defenders of Israel amidst the ongoing pro-Palestinian protests and counterprotests at universities nationwide.
In Los Angeles, which is known as “Tehrangeles” due to its large Iranian diaspora, Iranian Jews have become a regular presence at protests held on the campuses of UCLA and the University of Southern California.
The children of parents who fled Iran starting in 1979 during the Islamic Revolution, which brought about a new era of social, political, and religious extremism that still lingers for many former citizens, are numerous. They grew up hearing tales of a thriving and culturally diverse society in what was once known as Persia and often identify themselves as Persian Jews.
Abby Yosian, a resident of Los Angeles, shares that her family still holds onto the idea of someday returning to Iran. She reveals that her grandmother, in particular, continues to reminisce about Iran, describing it as the most beautiful country in the world.
According to a 2020 State Department report, numerous Iranian Jews express a stronger connection to Israel and lend their support to its battle against Hamas, as well as indirectly against Iran, which serves as the primary financial and military backer of the militant group. This sentiment stems from the suppression of their previous way of life under the regime.
The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel has escalated in recent months, reaching a critical point on April 1. On this day, Israel carried out a bombing on an Iranian consular building in Damascus, Syria. Tragically, this attack resulted in the deaths of two Iranian generals and five officers from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. This incident underscores the increasing tensions between the two nations who have been engaged in a shadow war for many years.
Many Iranian Jews living outside the country encountered a sense of cultural dissonance when Iran retaliated with an unprecedented drone and missile strike against Israel last month.
“Religion is a fundamental part of our identity,” Yosian expressed, acknowledging the significance it holds for many individuals.
Yosian, a graduate of USC, has always felt a strong sense of belonging in Jewish spaces. During her time at the university, she actively participated in student groups like Hillel USC. Just a few nights ago in April, she joined a small group of individuals who stayed behind on campus after organizing an outdoor Passover seder on the sidewalk.
In a show of solidarity and remembrance for the hostages held captive by Hamas, individuals donned yellow ribbons. Among the supporters, there was a woman who proudly draped herself in an Israeli flag, symbolizing her unwavering support.
Yosian, an alumnus, expressed his concern about the recent pro-Palestinian protests, stating that he would have been one of the organizers if he were still a student.
Yosian shared that her father and grandmother were part of the mass exodus of Jewish individuals who escaped Iran during the Islamic Revolution. They sought refuge in Israel before eventually settling down in Los Angeles.
Years later, Yosian’s grandmother still reminisces fondly about her homeland, Iran. She vividly recalls the enticing aroma of fresh fruits and blooming flowers at the bustling outdoor markets. Additionally, she cherishes the vibrant community that embraced and conversed in her native language.
Recently, at UCLA, there was a confrontation between hundreds of protesters and counterprotesters. Amidst this ongoing tension, a family of 10 found themselves standing outside the boundaries of a pro-Palestinian encampment. Eventually, authorities intervened and dismantled the encampment.
Charlene, who preferred not to disclose her last name due to concerns about antisemitic harassment, and her relatives proudly waved small Israeli flags and recorded the actions of protesters whom she believed were becoming overly aggressive.
Flying in from New York, a Columbia University alumna made her way to Los Angeles to celebrate Passover with her extended family. During her visit, she shared a disturbing incident involving her cousin, a student at UCLA. It was disheartening to learn that her cousin had been spat on and insulted with derogatory remarks like “Zionist pig” simply for wearing a Star of David.
“My cousin is someone I wholeheartedly support,” she said. “As Iranians, we have a deep sense of pride in our heritage, but we also strongly identify with Zionism.”
Iranian Jews have a deep-rooted connection to Judaism that stretches back for centuries, leading many of them to express unwavering support for Israel.
Iran’s Jewish population can be traced back nearly 3,000 years, making Judaism one of the oldest minority religions in the country. During the rule of King Cyrus the Great, from 559 to 530 B.C., the Persian Empire annexed parts of Babylon, which is now modern-day Iraq. This annexation included areas where Jews from Jerusalem and the Kingdom of Judea had been exiled, and King Cyrus is revered as a savior by the Jewish people.
Elham Yaghoubian, executive vice president of the Iranian Jewish American Federation, highlights the significant contributions of a historical figure who granted Jewish residents in the Persian Empire the freedom to practice their faith. This leader also extended amnesty to those who had been exiled, enabling them to return to Jerusalem. These acts of benevolence are repeatedly mentioned in the Bible, leading some to refer to him as the first Zionist.
The bond between Jewish Iranians and Israel has endured for over a thousand years and still shapes the perspective of many Jewish Iranians living abroad.
According to David Javidzad, a Los Angeles resident whose parents emigrated from Iran before the revolution, the Persian Jewish community holds a unique perspective on various matters. Javidzad emphasizes the community’s deep attachment to their Persian heritage and love for Iran. He also highlights their appreciation for the existence of Israel, despite not identifying as Israelis themselves.
Growing up, Javidzad had a unique experience where he spoke Farsi rather than Hebrew. Despite this, he felt that his childhood was more Jewish than Persian. Javidzad fondly recalls the beauty of hearing his father read the Book of Psalms, also known as Tehillim, in Farsi, describing it as pure poetry.
Javidzad recently expressed that he didn’t feel ready to celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year, at work because his family didn’t traditionally observe the holiday.
“It’s interesting how culture shock can still occur even within a closely-knit community,” he remarked.
During Passover, his family adds a Persian touch to their celebrations by playfully slapping each other with large scallions, a tradition cherished by Sephardic Jews. Recalling the chaos that usually ensues at the dinner table, he chuckled at the memories while acknowledging that this year’s seder held a deeper significance.
“We may come from America and enjoy a lot of privilege, but right now, everyone feels like we’re back in bondage and our status is far from free,” he expressed. “It was like experiencing a post-Oct. 7 seder, where the atmosphere was filled with a sense of oppression.”
Javidzad expresses his support for Israel, while acknowledging the heartbreaking civilian toll of the war in Gaza.
Many Iranian Jews have raised their voices against the war in Gaza, proving that even within close-knit communities, opinions can vary. Rabbi Younes Hamami Lalehzar, a prominent leader among the Iranian Jewish community, has been particularly vocal in his criticism of the Israeli government. He has gone as far as condemning Zionism, labeling it as a nationalistic political ideology that needs to be overcome.
In October, he organized a march demanding a cease-fire, which provoked strong criticism from Israeli leaders and media.
The ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel reveal a deep cultural connection that cannot be easily broken, as observed by those witnessing history unfold from outside the Middle East.
Yaghoubian expressed his optimism about the possibility of these two nations reconciling and becoming friendly again. He firmly believed that war should never be considered as a solution, as it goes against moral principles.
Two years ago, when the tragic death of Mahsa Amini sparked protests in Iran, Israel took a prominent stance as a critic of the regime. Joining the global outcry, Persian Jews in Los Angeles also raised their voices against the injustice.
In 2022, Amini, a 22-year-old woman, tragically lost her life while under the custody of the morality police in the Islamic Republic. The authorities accused her of violating the country’s strict hair code, specifically by wearing her headscarf incorrectly. It is important to note that wearing a headscarf is mandatory for all Iranian women.
In Tehrangeles, located on the west side and including the nearby city of Beverly Hills, the streets were filled with people chanting Amini’s name and longing for the return of the open society that Iran once had. Her passing brought back painful memories for countless families living in exile thousands of miles away.
According to Lisa Daftari, an Iranian American commentator and Middle East expert, Iranians and Israelis share a common battle against extremism. She emphasizes that the Islamic Republic is the mutual adversary in this fight.
The regime ultimately crushed the demonstrations, which gained fame as the “Women, Life, Freedom” movement.
The movement ignited a lasting sense of hope among many Persian Jews residing abroad that the Iran of their ancestors’ generation could experience a resurgence.
