Karmel Melamed

Escape, exile, rebirth: Iranian Jewish diaspora alive and well in Los Angeles

Published on September 3, 2008

Thirty years have passed since the massive and violent demonstrations against the Shah of Iran that began in September 1978, and for many, the start of that country's bloody revolution might seem a faded memory. Yet I have carried those shattering events with me all of my life: I was born on in Tehran on Sept. 11, 1978, as chaos unfolded on the streets outside

Younger Persians seeking greater role in community

Published on September 3, 2008

Over the past decades, nearly two dozen local Iranian Jewish groups have been involved with political awareness efforts, but no group until now has seriously pursued or organized communitywide political and civic activism.

Hide ‘n’ seek no child’s game in fleeing Iran

Published on September 3, 2008

His friends devised a plan. Two of them would wait outside the terminal in a car with the engine running, in case Melamed had to make a quick getaway. Two other friends and a Revolutionary Guard who had been bribed would wait inside the terminal to help the businessman escape if something went wrong.

Terrifying journey marks escape of widow and children

Published on September 3, 2008

"It was one of the longest nights in my life.They kept telling me to go to sleep, but I just could not, because I had young girls with me. Then one of the smugglers came into the room and fell asleep at the entrance."

AUDIO: Iranian American Jews —Getting ready for November’s elections

Published on July 7, 2008

More than 300 young professionals members of the local Iranian Jewish “30 Years After” organization gathered at a private residence in Beverly Hills late last month to encourage political activism in the community.

Iranian Jews uneasy on Obama’s offer to ‘engage’ Iran

Published on May 1, 2008

With Iran a hot topic in the U.S. presidential race this year, the candidates' foreign policy statements are being examined closely by everyone, not least the Iranian Jewish community. Comments by Democratic frontrunner Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), in particular, have left many Iranian Jews reluctant to support his candidacy.

AUDIO: Iranian American Jews —reaching out to poor and homeless in the city

Published on April 28, 2008

Iranian American Jews -- reaching out to poor and homeless in the city

AUDIO: Iranian American Jews —Knesset Member Ophir Pines-Paz

Published on April 1, 2008

Exclusive interviews with Israeli Knesset Member Ophir Pines-Paz and Iranian Jewish philanthropist Parviz Nazarian in changing Israel's form of government

AUDIO: Iranian American Jews —New mentoring program grooms tomorrow’s leaders

Published on March 25, 2008

Young Iranian American Jewish professionals discuss their involvement with a new mentoring program for teenagers in the community.

AUDIO: Iranian American Jews—30 Years After the Iranian Revolution

Published on February 5, 2008

Iranian Jewish members of the "30 Years After" organization talk about becoming more active in Los Angeles, state and national politics; featuring Assemblyman Mike Feuer and L.A. DWP General Manager H. David Nahai.