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A new era of Jewish leadership in L.A.?
Los Angeles chose Eric Garcetti as its first elected Jewish mayor, one of a number of political contests on Tuesday that reflected the city’s diversity, as well as its numerous…
Stone-walling
In the last two years, the Western Wall in Jerusalem — also known as the Kotel — has become a place of controversy as much as of worship. It’s the site of a battle that has long been waged by…
Gun violence in America: Scandal!
Two years after his mother was shot and killed, Dallas Sonnier received a phone call from the police: His father had just been shot and killed.
- HOLLYWOOD
Spielberg to produce ‘Halo’ television series, plus other news from the Xbox One announcement
Microsoft Corp gave the world a first look at its new Xbox One on Tuesday, announcing that its first gaming console in eight years will come with exclusive video and…
Justin Timberlake and Coen brothers answer Jewish questions at Cannes
Using his preternatural smoothness, Justin Timberlake saved the Coen brothers from some serious awkwardness at a Cannes press conference for their folk singer film “Inside Llewyn Davis” on Sunday. “Jewish…
Sean Penn lobbies for Charedi man imprisoned in Bolivia
Actor Sean Penn urged a congressional hearing to pressure Bolivia to release a haredi Orthodox father of five under house arrest in the country.
- LIFE & CULTURE
Sarah Silverman sings about staying home in ‘Perfect Night’
For your listening pleasure, “Perfect Night,” in which Sarah Silverman recounts the benefits of skipping the club for the couch. Because this is a Silverman production you can expect references…
Maccabi Tel Aviv back on top but coach future uncertain
Champions Maccabi Tel Aviv have reasserted their dominance of Israeli soccer but media reports on Tuesday suggested they might have to continue their revival without coach Oscar Garcia.
7 Rules for Perfect Hummus
When was the last time you opened a tub of hummus and swooned? When was the last time a restaurant put a plate of hummus in front of you, and…
- BLOGS
State 194: A Documentary About Palestine
Opening this weekend at Laemmle’s Music Hall 3 is a very hot-button new documentary called State 194, which follows the recent history of Palestine. Many will approach this film with…
7 Rules for Perfect Hummus
When was the last time you opened a tub of hummus and swooned? When was the last time a restaurant put a plate of hummus in front of you, and…
What would my Israeli grandmother think?
When I hear about the latest events in Israel – the air strikes on weapons facilities in Syria, the flare-ups over women donning prayer shawls at the Western Wall –…
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Karmel Melamed
More Ponzi in Iranian-Jewish community
My beef with Ryan Seacrest
JIMENA interviews L.A.‘s Iranian and Sephardic Jews for new websites
Photo Essay: Iranian Americans in L.A. enjoy No Rooz 2013
John Farahi sentenced to 10 years for Ponzi scheme
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
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’!
Young Iranian-Jews discuss taboo topics at UCLA
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
Q&A: Photographer Gazin gives a unique glimpse of L.A.’s Iranian Jewry
Iranian Jewish SIAMAK organization honored by BGU for “Project Jacob”
Iranian Jews honor local Jewish nonprofits, HIAS
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!
Q & A: HIAS’s Hetfield speaks about the gratitude of L.A.’s Iranian Jewry
Wiesenthal Center secretly broadcasts Holocaust documentary into Iran
New sad trend of Jews being murdered in Iran
ADL: Rise in Iranian hatred
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
Frank Nikbakht: Unflinching voice for Jews in Iran
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
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
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
Israel and singer Rita make history offering friendship to Iranians worldwide
Iran’s mullahs are to thank for Gaza’s destruction
Iranian Jews and Muslims unite over Rita
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!
Webcast: Iranian Jewish artist Mairzadeh making waves
Webcast: 30YA’s 3rd Biennal Conference makes splash with Iranian Jewry
A journalist’s perspective
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
Pop Iranian and Israeli singers to perform together at unity concert
Delijanis put historic theater district back in the spotlight
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.
Vahik: Capturing the true essence of Iranian Jewish weddings on film
Iranian Jewish caterer masters delicious Kosher Fusion food
Cost-conscious weddings back in style
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]
Anti-Semitism in Iran: Worse than you think
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
UCLA’s Museum to host new Iranian Jewish art exhibition
Reluctant hero Lalezary honored by L.A.‘s Iranian Jews
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
Exclusive Video Webcast: Israeli Consul General Siegel outreaching to L.A.‘s Iranian Jewry
30YA honors Lalezary for heroism
Remembering Vidal Sassoon; A 2006 Exclusive Interview
New Iranian Jewish art gallery shines light on Jewish artists
Q&A: Iranian Jewish author Angella Nazarian’s new book makes splash!
Why did President Obama not condemn bible burning in Iran?
Remembering Ebrahim Yahid
Ebrahim Yahid, Iranian-Jewish leader, dies at 90
Eyewitness weaves tale of Iran’s revolution
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
Giving hope and help to L.A.’s Iranian Jews
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
Hillary Clinton’s speech fails to call out Iran for its LGBT abuses
Obama refuses to sign tougher sanctions on Iran’s Central Bank
John Farahi indicted
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
Mother of Jersualem is Crying novel humanizes Middle East conflict
Is Obama listening to the people of Iran’s calls for help?
Q&A: Ebrahimi’s new book sheds light on life of Jews in revolutionary Iran
Ron Paul is off his rocker about Iran!
Q&A: Remebering Iranian Jewish Businessman Ezat Delijani
Q&A: Italian Fashion Group makes splash in Hollywood with custom suits
For downtown’s Persian Jews, work plus worship equals success
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
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!
War Crimes charges needed for Iran’s involvement with Syria slaughter
Gabay’s new book makes the case for moderate Judaism
UCLA Hillel Honors Iranian Jewish Women’s Organization
New musical comedy by L.A.’s Iranian Jews turning heads
Cohen’s new book on Mahfar and Iranian Jews of Esfahan smash hit!
Q&A: Creditor George Haroonian discusses impact of Namvar conviction
Q&A: Youssefyeh sheds light on Namvar criminal and bankruptcy cases
Financier Namvar’s conviction reveals community wounds
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
Larian wins round two of Bratz toy lawsuit against Mattel
Sam Nazarian dubbed most powerful West Coast nightclub operator
Exclusive Iranian Blogger Q&A: Obama letting down the new generation in Iran
Journalist Lisa Daftari sheds light on LGBT abuses in Iran
No Rooz celebrations this year source of pride and joy for L.A.’s Iranian Americans
The fate of Iran’s Jews in 2011?
L.A.’s Iranian Americans keep tabs on new freedom protests in Iran
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
Promoting unity, Judaism among local Iranian Jews
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
Iranian Nessah Synagogue celebrates 30 years and honors founders
Q&A with Fakheri about new “Project Jacob” program
Iranian Jewish group’s ‘Project Jacob’ to spur commercial research in Israel
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
Webcasts: 30YA’s 2010 Conference - A Call for Iranian Jewish activism
Webcast: Former L.A. DWP chief Nahai defends 30YA amidst union controversy
Photo Essay: 30YA’s 2010 biennial conference calls for greater Iranian Jewish activism
L.A.‘s Iranian Jews proud of UCLA’s new Nazarian Center for Israel Studies
Iranian Jewish banker Namvar arraigned on federal fraud charges
Iranian Jewish banker Ezri Namvar indicted on federal fraud charges
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.!
Three Iranian Jewish men Murdered in West Hollywood, suspect arrested
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
Webcasts: IDF’s Dr. Merin discusses Israel’s support for Haitian earthquake victims
Webcast: Iranian rabbi championing online competition for funding L.A. Jewish school
VBS’s Sephardic High Holy Day services attracts local Iranian Jews
Webcast: L.A.‘s young Iranian Jews benefit from JVS’s scholarships
Webcasts: Greek Jewish Holocaust Survivor speaks out
Webcasts: Insights into Emmanuel affair and Halevi rocks with Israeli music
Webcasts: Nessim and Bouskila kick start S.E.C. seminar in Jerusalem
Conversations about Berookhim’s execution 30 years ago in Iran
Young Iranian Jewish professionals make a splash launching JDC’s L.A. Chapter
Cohan’s new book on Hacham Yedidia Shofet well received by L.A.‘s Iranian Jews
Webcast: Delshad & Iranian Jews come out in support of Israel at rally
Webcast: L.A.’s Iranian American Jews honored by Israel Bonds
Webcast: L.A.’s 30YA professionals making summer waves
Webcast: Shamsian breaking taboos in L.A.’s Iranian Jewish community
Webcast: Iranian Jewish artists make a big splash at new exhibition!
Webcast L.A. Officials Celebrate No Ruz at Westwood’s Persian Square
Webcast: NIYP rocks the house with their “K for P” party!
City, County Officials Celebrate No Ruz at Westwood’s Persian Square
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
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
Obama’s low profile approach to Iran’s human rights violations is shameful
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May 17-23, 2013
What does it mean to be your brother's keeper? Lessons from the Cleveland kidnappings
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