Karmel Melamed

Shame on Argentina’s Kirchner for allying with Iran’s mullahs!

Published on May 28, 2013

More Ponzi in Iranian-Jewish community

Published on April 29, 2013

My beef with Ryan Seacrest

Published on April 1, 2013

JIMENA interviews L.A.‘s Iranian and Sephardic Jews for new websites

Published on March 31, 2013

Photo Essay: Iranian Americans in L.A. enjoy No Rooz 2013

Published on March 29, 2013

John Farahi sentenced to 10 years for Ponzi scheme

Published on March 28, 2013

John Farahi, a popular Iranian-Jewish radio talk-show host and investment adviser, was sentenced in U.S. District Court on March 18 in downtown Los Angeles to 10 years in federal prison for operating a multi-million-dollar Ponzi scheme against local Iranian-Americans. Farahi, 56, also was ordered by the court to pay more than $24 million in restitution to close to 60 victims.

Locals celebrate Norooz

Published on March 20, 2013

Fast-paced Persian dance music and the aroma of beef kebabs filled the Arena Nightclub in Hollywood on March 16 as nearly 1,000 local Iranian-Americans and their young children gathered to celebrate the upcoming Persian new year of Norooz.

L.A.’s Iranian Jewish young couples ‘Go Sephardic’!

Published on March 15, 2013

Young Iranian-Jews discuss taboo topics at UCLA

Published on March 13, 2013

Nearly 300 young Iranian Jews packed UCLA’s Fowler Museum auditorium on March 7 for a discussion featuring five prominent young Iranian-Jewish professionals openly discussing topics considered to be taboo within their community. The gathering was historic not only because young Iranian-Jews do not typically discuss their problems regarding career choices and personal relationships in a public forum — but also because this event marked the first time an openly gay member of the community has discussed issues of homosexuality facing Iranian-Jews in Los Angeles.

ADL honors Dr. Sharon Nazarian

Published on March 11, 2013

Q&A: Photographer Gazin gives a unique glimpse of L.A.’s Iranian Jewry

Published on February 25, 2013

Iranian Jewish SIAMAK organization honored by BGU for “Project Jacob”

Published on February 18, 2013

Iranian Jews honor local Jewish nonprofits, HIAS

Published on February 13, 2013

Nearly 500 local Iranian Jews packed two auditoriums at UCLA’s Fowler Museum on Jan. 28 for an event honoring three prominent Los Angeles-area Jewish nonprofits and the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS).

Shame on multi-national corporations working with Iran!

Published on February 5, 2013

Q & A: HIAS’s Hetfield speaks about the gratitude of L.A.’s Iranian Jewry

Published on February 4, 2013

Wiesenthal Center secretly broadcasts Holocaust documentary into Iran

Published on January 31, 2013

New sad trend of Jews being murdered in Iran

Published on January 18, 2013

ADL: Rise in Iranian hatred

Published on January 16, 2013

Nearly 60 Jewish community activists and Iranian Jews gathered at the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) West Los Angeles offices on Jan. 9 to learn about the increasing levels of anti-Semitic, anti-American and anti-Israel messages being put out internally and abroad by Iran’s state-run media apparatus.

Mensch Nikbakht: Giving a voice to the voiceless minorities in Iran

Published on January 4, 2013

Frank Nikbakht: Unflinching voice for Jews in Iran

Published on January 3, 2013

Nearly 13 years ago, 13 Jews living in the Iranian city of Shiraz were arrested on trumped-up charges of spying for Israel and were facing execution by the clerics who ruled Iran.

PBS’ Iranian-American Story

Published on December 12, 2012

Following more than three decades of Iranians flourishing in the United States, a documentary titled “The Iranian Americans” offers a nostalgic look at how tens of thousands of immigrants resettled in America following the 1979 revolution in Iran. It will air Dec. 18 at 9:30 p.m. on PBS.

A Jew murdered in Iran

Published on December 11, 2012

In the wake of the gruesome murder of a 57-year-old Jewish woman living in the Iranian city of Isfahan nearly three weeks ago, a group of Iranian-Jewish activists in Los Angeles, New York and Washington, D.C., have banded together in an informal group hoping to raise public awareness of the murder and to help bring the murderers to justice.

Webcast: UANI’s Ibsen highlights economic pressure on Iran

Published on December 3, 2012

Israel and singer Rita make history offering friendship to Iranians worldwide

Published on November 25, 2012

Iran’s mullahs are to thank for Gaza’s destruction

Published on November 23, 2012

Iranian Jews and Muslims unite over Rita

Published on November 20, 2012

It is not often nowadays that you find Jews and Muslims coming together to celebrate anything — especially when Israel is involved.

Webcast: Rita Rocks UCLA’s Royce Hall!

Published on November 4, 2012

Webcast: Iranian Jewish artist Mairzadeh making waves

Published on October 26, 2012

Webcast: 30YA’s 3rd Biennal Conference makes splash with Iranian Jewry

Published on October 15, 2012

A journalist’s perspective

Published on October 10, 2012

Why are you asking so many questions and wanting to write about our community in the newspaper? Why do people care about Iranian Jews in Los Angeles? Do you really think you’re accomplishing anything by writing about our triumphs and failures in the newspaper?

Nahai and local Jewish leaders honored by Sierra Club

Published on August 30, 2012

Pop Iranian and Israeli singers to perform together at unity concert

Published on August 2, 2012

Delijanis put historic theater district back in the spotlight

Published on August 1, 2012

The classic Los Angeles Theater at Broadway and Sixth Street is not much to look at from the outside -- situated alongside a host of busy retail shops, its sidewalk is lined with street vendors selling toys and trinkets. But upon entering the theater's French Baroque-style lobby, with its 50-foot ceiling, grand staircase, plush red carpet, detailed fresco paintings, ornate marble fountain and crystal chandeliers, one is immediately transported to a bygone era of opulent, glamorous movie palaces.

Discovering the magic behind the music of Alen G.

Published on July 22, 2012

Vahik: Capturing the true essence of Iranian Jewish weddings on film

Published on July 21, 2012

Iranian Jewish caterer masters delicious Kosher Fusion food

Published on July 20, 2012

Cost-conscious weddings back in style

Published on July 18, 2012

Lavish weddings featuring guest lists upward of 500 people were seemingly de rigueur in Southern California's Iranian-Jewish community just five years ago. But the growth of six-figure simchas strained middle-class families, leading some couples to either call off a wedding or divorce a few months after getting married.

Anti-Semitism in Iran: Worse than you think [UPDATE: FARSI TRANSLATION]

Published on July 17, 2012

Anti-Semitism in Iran: Worse than you think

Published on July 11, 2012

In Tehran last month, during a ceremony marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Iran’s current vice president, Mohammad-Reza Rahimi, launched an anti-Semitic tirade.

Elghanian’s granddaughter speaks out about Iran’s regime disaster

Published on July 2, 2012

UCLA’s Museum to host new Iranian Jewish art exhibition

Published on July 2, 2012

Reluctant hero Lalezary honored by L.A.‘s Iranian Jews

Published on June 20, 2012

In the early hours of Jan. 2, Shervin Lalezary was on only his fourth solo patrol as a Los Angeles reserve sheriff's deputy. Driving on Sunset Boulevard near Fairfax Avenue in West Hollywood, he spotted a minivan that fit the description of one believed to be used by an arsonist who had been on a nightly rampage for days, terrorizing huge swaths of Los Angeles.

A unique look into Shaul Mofaz’s Iranian Jewish roots

Published on May 31, 2012

Exclusive Video Webcast: Israeli Consul General Siegel outreaching to L.A.‘s Iranian Jewry

Published on May 26, 2012

30YA honors Lalezary for heroism

Published on May 18, 2012

Remembering Vidal Sassoon; A 2006 Exclusive Interview

Published on May 9, 2012

New Iranian Jewish art gallery shines light on Jewish artists

Published on April 3, 2012

Q&A: Iranian Jewish author Angella Nazarian’s new book makes splash!

Published on March 8, 2012

Why did President Obama not condemn bible burning in Iran?

Published on March 5, 2012

Remembering Ebrahim Yahid

Published on March 3, 2012

Ebrahim Yahid, Iranian-Jewish leader, dies at 90

Published on March 1, 2012

Eyewitness weaves tale of Iran’s revolution

Published on January 26, 2012

On Nov. 4, 1979, Islamist students and militants loyal to the Ayatollah Khomeini took over the American Embassy compound in Tehran and captured 52 Americans — a diplomatic crisis that lasted 444 days. Simon Sion Ebrahimi, a local Iranian Jewish author, remembers that day well. It was the same day employees at his accounting firm, which faced the American Embassy, took him hostage.

Lalezary is what is right about L.A.’s Iranian Jews

Published on January 9, 2012

Giving hope and help to L.A.’s Iranian Jews

Published on January 5, 2012

Earlier this year, after nearly two decades of providing counseling and psychological help to local Iranians for free or at reduced rates, Shadee Toomari, a local Iranian-Jewish licensed clinical psychologist, formally established the community’s first nonprofit mental health treatment clinic.

World says nothing after Christians jailed on Christmas in Iran

Published on January 3, 2012

Hillary Clinton’s speech fails to call out Iran for its LGBT abuses

Published on December 27, 2011

Obama refuses to sign tougher sanctions on Iran’s Central Bank

Published on December 19, 2011

John Farahi indicted

Published on December 14, 2011

John Farahi, a Los Angeles Iranian-Jewish radio talk show host and financial investment manager, last week was charged in U.S. District Court in downtown Los Angeles for allegedly defrauding more than 100 local Iranian-American investors and various financial institutions of nearly $20 million over the course of nearly five years.

Iranian Jewish Businessman Farahi indicted for ponzi scheme

Published on December 13, 2011

Mother of Jersualem is Crying novel humanizes Middle East conflict

Published on November 20, 2011

Is Obama listening to the people of Iran’s calls for help?

Published on November 19, 2011

Q&A: Ebrahimi’s new book sheds light on life of Jews in revolutionary Iran

Published on November 13, 2011

Ron Paul is off his rocker about Iran!

Published on November 6, 2011

Q&A: Remebering Iranian Jewish Businessman Ezat Delijani

Published on October 30, 2011

Q&A: Italian Fashion Group makes splash in Hollywood with custom suits

Published on October 30, 2011

For downtown’s Persian Jews, work plus worship equals success

Published on October 26, 2011

Fast-paced techno dance music blasts through Chikas, a retail clothing store off Santee Street in the heart of downtown Los Angeles’ Fashion District, which many call the Garment District. Robert Mahgerefteh, the store’s owner, helps the dozen or so young women looking for great deals on the latest fashions.

Ezat Delijani, real estate developer & philanthropist, 83

Published on August 30, 2011

Ezat Delijani, a real estate developer and a leader in Los Angeles’ Iranian Jewish community, died on Saturday, Aug. 27 following a long battle with cancer. He was 83.

Renewed Middle East violence: It’s Iran stupid!

Published on August 22, 2011

War Crimes charges needed for Iran’s involvement with Syria slaughter

Published on August 21, 2011

Gabay’s new book makes the case for moderate Judaism

Published on June 12, 2011

UCLA Hillel Honors Iranian Jewish Women’s Organization

Published on June 12, 2011

New musical comedy by L.A.’s Iranian Jews turning heads

Published on May 30, 2011

Cohen’s new book on Mahfar and Iranian Jews of Esfahan smash hit!

Published on May 30, 2011

Q&A: Creditor George Haroonian discusses impact of Namvar conviction

Published on May 27, 2011

Q&A: Youssefyeh sheds light on Namvar criminal and bankruptcy cases

Published on May 24, 2011

Financier Namvar’s conviction reveals community wounds

Published on May 24, 2011

Once a pillar of the local Iranian Jewish community, businessman and philanthropist Ezri Namvar was a trusted friend to whom many in the community loaned money freely and without fear. Namvar’s reputation, which has been tarnished during the last several years, was dealt another blow on May 19, when Namvar, 59, was convicted on four counts of wire fraud in a downtown Los Angeles federal court.

Iranian Jewish banker Ezri Namvar convicted on federal fraud charges

Published on May 20, 2011

Larian wins round two of Bratz toy lawsuit against Mattel

Published on April 25, 2011

Sam Nazarian dubbed most powerful West Coast nightclub operator

Published on April 23, 2011

Exclusive Iranian Blogger Q&A: Obama letting down the new generation in Iran

Published on April 16, 2011

Journalist Lisa Daftari sheds light on LGBT abuses in Iran

Published on April 4, 2011

No Rooz celebrations this year source of pride and joy for L.A.’s Iranian Americans

Published on March 29, 2011

The fate of Iran’s Jews in 2011?

Published on February 23, 2011

L.A.’s Iranian Americans keep tabs on new freedom protests in Iran

Published on February 22, 2011

In the wake of the Feb. 14 Iranian protests for greater freedom, which took place throughout that country, Iranian Americans of various religious backgrounds in Southern California have been closely monitoring the developments and voicing support for those seeking democracy.

Trustees sue Namvar’s wife over diamond, funds

Published on January 18, 2011

Promoting unity, Judaism among local Iranian Jews

Published on December 22, 2010

Southern California’s Iranian Jewish community has long been divided over a host of social and religious issues, often discouraging hopes among the elders for community continuity. Eman Esmailzadeh, a 27-year-old engineer and community activist, is one of a small number of young people who are now focused on reuniting this immigrant community, in part by encouraging teenagers to identify with their Judaism.

Etta Israel continues support of L.A.‘s Iranian Jews with special needs

Published on December 11, 2010

Iranian Nessah Synagogue celebrates 30 years and honors founders

Published on December 7, 2010

Q&A with Fakheri about new “Project Jacob” program

Published on November 12, 2010

Iranian Jewish group’s ‘Project Jacob’ to spur commercial research in Israel

Published on November 10, 2010

For a little more than three decades, the Los Angeles-based International Judea Foundation (known as SIAMAK), among the oldest and most active of the local Iranian Jewish nonprofits, was known for looking out for the needs of the Iranian Jewish community here and abroad. Now, as the local Iranian Jewish community has matured and prospered in Southern California, SIAMAK has turned some of its focus to Israel, creating a program to nurture and develop innovative medical, high-tech and alternative energy research at Israel’s Ben-Gurion University (BGU). Dubbed “Project Jacob” after the biblical patriarch, the program is the brainchild of Dariush Fakheri, SIAMAK’s president, a businessman and entrepreneur who lives in Encino. With an initial investment of $200,000 last February, SIAMAK funded three projects at BGU.

“The Desperate” wins best short film at Hollywood Film Festival

Published on October 27, 2010

Webcasts: 30YA’s 2010 Conference - A Call for Iranian Jewish activism

Published on October 17, 2010

Webcast: Former L.A. DWP chief Nahai defends 30YA amidst union controversy

Published on October 17, 2010

Photo Essay: 30YA’s 2010 biennial conference calls for greater Iranian Jewish activism

Published on October 17, 2010

L.A.‘s Iranian Jews proud of UCLA’s new Nazarian Center for Israel Studies

Published on October 11, 2010

Iranian Jewish banker Namvar arraigned on federal fraud charges

Published on September 27, 2010

Iranian Jewish banker Ezri Namvar indicted on federal fraud charges

Published on September 27, 2010

Los Angeles Iranian Jewish banker and real estate investor Ezri Namvar, 59, was indicted on Sept. 21 by a federal grand jury on five counts of fraud. The charges allege he failed to return $23 million given for safekeeping to his company, Namco Financial Exchange Corp. (NFE), and instead invested the money in risky real estate deals.

Webcast: Metal Sanaz rocks hard and protests Ahmadinejad visit to U.N.!

Published on September 22, 2010

Three Iranian Jewish men Murdered in West Hollywood, suspect arrested

Published on August 31, 2010

On the evening of Aug. 26, Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies found three men identified as Iranian Jews shot to death inside an apartment located in the 600 block of North Kings Road in West Hollywood.

Three Iranian Jewish men murdered in West Hollywood

Published on August 29, 2010

Webcasts: IDF’s Dr. Merin discusses Israel’s support for Haitian earthquake victims

Published on August 21, 2010

Webcast: Iranian rabbi championing online competition for funding L.A. Jewish school

Published on August 15, 2010

VBS’s Sephardic High Holy Day services attracts local Iranian Jews

Published on August 14, 2010

Webcast: L.A.‘s young Iranian Jews benefit from JVS’s scholarships

Published on August 8, 2010

Webcasts: Greek Jewish Holocaust Survivor speaks out

Published on July 30, 2010

Webcasts: Insights into Emmanuel affair and Halevi rocks with Israeli music

Published on July 28, 2010

Webcasts: Nessim and Bouskila kick start S.E.C. seminar in Jerusalem

Published on July 26, 2010

Conversations about Berookhim’s execution 30 years ago in Iran

Published on July 23, 2010

Young Iranian Jewish professionals make a splash launching JDC’s L.A. Chapter

Published on July 14, 2010

Cohan’s new book on Hacham Yedidia Shofet well received by L.A.‘s Iranian Jews

Published on June 21, 2010

Webcast: Delshad & Iranian Jews come out in support of Israel at rally

Published on June 17, 2010

Webcast: L.A.’s Iranian American Jews honored by Israel Bonds

Published on June 17, 2010

Webcast: L.A.’s 30YA professionals making summer waves

Published on June 14, 2010

Webcast: Shamsian breaking taboos in L.A.’s Iranian Jewish community

Published on May 17, 2010

Webcast: Iranian Jewish artists make a big splash at new exhibition!

Published on April 22, 2010

Webcast L.A. Officials Celebrate No Ruz at Westwood’s Persian Square

Published on April 19, 2010

Webcast: NIYP rocks the house with their “K for P” party!

Published on April 18, 2010

City, County Officials Celebrate No Ruz at Westwood’s Persian Square

Published on April 7, 2010

On March 28, nearly 10,000 Los Angeles Iranian Americans of various religions, including local Iranian Jews, celebrated the Persian New Year of No Ruz on Westwood Boulevard in Westwood Village, with the official naming of a street corner as Persian Square. Los Angeles City Council man for District 5, Paul Koretz, was on hand for the ceremony; he introduced a motion in the council to name the corner of Westwood Boulevard and Wilkins Street as Persian Square earlier this year.

Namvar Quits Nessah Synagogue Board

Published on April 6, 2010

Facing mounting community criticism for his alleged involvement in what has been called a Ponzi scheme, Ezri Namvar, an Iranian-Jewish philanthropist and businessman, last month voluntarily resigned from the
Board of Trustees of the Beverly Hills-based Nessah Synagogue. Namvar sent an e-mail on March 16 to Nessah’s board members, notifying the organization of his immediate resignation. Namvar was forced into involuntary bankruptcy in December 2008 and accused by investors of creating a Ponzi scheme that lost as much as $500 million loaned to him — most of it by Los Angeles’ Iranian Jews.

Webcast: Iranian Jewish Attorney Yebri recognized by PJA

Published on March 7, 2010