I was born in Los Angeles to two Iranian Jewish immigrants. Like most immigrants from Iran, my parents and their family members fled Iran during the Islamic Revolution. They came to America to start over.
As the child of Iranian-born parents, I grew up noticing their efforts to assimilate into the unfamiliar American culture. Their understanding of national and foreign politics seemed comprehensive.
My brother and I observed my parents watch the news and we engaged in debates about it. But there were some things we just did not know. How could we become active and informed members of our community?
This question was answered for me on September 14 when I attended a conference at the Beverly Hilton for 30 Years After, a local organization of Iranian Jews in the community.
30 Years After was formed to educate and unite the Iranian-American Jewish community on important political issues. By forming a coalition of representation, the organization gives a voice that has impact on political and civic life in America. The event was its inaugural civic action conference, entitled “30 Years After: the Iranian-American Jewish Community at a Crossroads.â€
The event was timed to coincide with the thirty-year anniversary of Iran’s Islamic Revolution.
Issues that were addressed included Iran following the Islamic Revolution, the United States as home and advocacy for Israel.
David Duel, a board member of 30 Years After, described the purpose of the conference to me: “Our goal was essentially to give our community members a platform to voice their issues and to inspire them to get involved with local politics. And by the looks of it, we succeeded.â€
My mother accompanied me to the conference, where about 1200 other Iranian Jews and leaders were present. Panel speakers, included former Beverly Hills mayor and fellow Iranian Jew Hon. Jimmy Delshad, radio host Dennis Prager, Congressmen Brad Sherman and Mel Levine, Rabbi David Wolpe and Abraham Cooper, John Fishel, president of the Jewish Federation and many more.
We both agreed that the conference was essential for our Iranian Jewish community that is continuing to thrive and become politically involved.
Thirty Years After was formed to mobilize the Iranian Jewish community through such conferences and seminars into civic and social action. Its purpose is to educate and unite the community on political issues, to promote participation in civic life, and to enhance the involvement of Iranian Jews in the greater American Jewish Community.
For more information visit www.30yearsafter.org
