November 14, 2009 | 4:06 pm

My Journey with L.A.’s Rabbis on the 2009 Israel Unity Trip

Posted by Karmel Melamed

L.A.'s 18 prominent rabbis take a group photo with Israeli President Shimon Peres.

This journalist and blogger joined 18 of Los Angeles’ prominent rabbis last month as they spent an amazing 58 hours together exploring different facets of life in Israel. I interviewed, photographed and filmed these rabbis as they came together to show a united front in support of Israel. It was perhaps one of the rare and special events in the community’s history as never before have so many different rabbis from the city journeyed as a collective with Israel as their unifying factor. My outside blog postings of this trip can be found here, here and here.

The following is a blog entry I wrote on October 29, 2009 at the end of this remarkable journey with the city’s rabbis:

As the direct El Al flight from Tel Aviv to Los Angeles took off in the early hours of the morning today, the majority of Los Angeles’ 18 rabbis were sound asleep after a remarkable 58 hour action-packed journey to Israel. After witnessing their travels together through Israel I too was still absorbing the substantial impact of the trip. The 15-hour flight today gave me much time to reflect on this amazing trip and what was said during the final dinner the rabbis enjoyed together in Jerusalem. During the dinner the Angelino rabbis gave praises to Israel’s Consul General in Los Angeles Jacob Dayan for having brought all of them together for the trip— a feat that had never been undertaken by any previous Consul General. “Through this trip, you have helped strengthen our Jewish community in L.A. and shown us we are all one and the same,” said one rabbi at the dinner. Yes the rabbis were Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, gay, straight, young and older— but they acknowledged that the common thread of Israel has and will always be a uniting factor for them and their respective congregations.

As an L.A. area journalist who often covers divisive and controversial issues the Jewish community faces, it was heartwarming to see that for 58 hours the leaders of the community were able to set their differences aside and embrace one another. It seems as if Israel was not just a holy and religious place for these Jewish clergy, but the modern glue that has kept the Jewish people united. From my personal impressions, this special place in the world known as Israel has not only become a home for Jews seeking to live in an area of their own, but this land has become truly transformed the modern world as we know it. Israel has produced some the world’s most remarkable technologies, agricultural advances and yes even become a place of refuge for non-Jews escaping genocide in their homelands. We traveled to fish farm in the middle of the Negev desert where oceanic fish like Barramundi were being cultivated! Yes, a fish farm in the middle of a blossoming desert where olive orchards and vegetable farms grew plentifully! The sight was truly breathtaking a one is left wondering how Israel has been able to accomplish such remarkable feats with their limited financial and natural resources. It can be quite easy everyday for critics, pessimists and dictators to denounce Israel for a whole host of political reasons. But the clear reality is that this land holy to the world’s three religions is uniquely remarkable.

Numerous talking heads in the news media, Middle East experts and columnists will continue to spend countless hours critiquing Israel’s political moves visa vie the Middle East conflict. I for one will not engage in any such discussion nor pass judgment on Israel because such rhetoric has only created animosity in the human community. This 58 hour trip with L.A.’s prominent rabbis has revealed the incredible accomplishments of Israel and its people. I would prefer to focus my energies on the generous contributions this tiny nation in the Middle East has given the planet. Yes Israel like most democracies is imperfect, but taken as a whole this nation has brought the Jewish people together and more importantly strived to heal the world with its contributions to medicine, agriculture, technology, the social sciences, history, literature and even religion. As a blogger and journalist, I walk away from this unique trip to Israel with a new sense of respect for the rabbis who journeyed with me and for the people of Israel who are still trying to live in peace in an unfriendly neighborhood.

The following are just a few of the videos I captured through out this trip:

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November 2, 2009 | 6:18 am

Iranian college newsletter banned for insinuating Holocaust was true

Posted by Karmel Melamed

Members of the Iranian government never cease to surprise me with the daily idiotic denials of the Holocaust and the great lengths to which they go to disrespect the memory of the millions of innocent lives who perish at the hands of the Nazis. The latest example of the regime’s purely moronic attempts to deny the existence of the Holocaust was forwarded to me via bloggers and readers of this blog who are based in Iran. They sent me the below official letter in Persian language coming from the president of the University of “Khaje Nasir” in Tehran that is calling on his subordinate to shut down the university’s student newsletter called “Galawej” on September 22, 2009. The student newsletter was closed by the university simply because the publication printed articles insinuated that the Holocaust did indeed occur!

Iran’s Amir Kabir news agency reported last month that the Galawej newsletter was shut down simply because students have accepted the truth of the Holocaust, a concept that runs contrary to the Iranian regime’s official policy of denying the horrid Nazi genocide. It seems as if the Iranian government’s thugs, also known as the “Basiji”, have threatened force against the university’s management over a small student newsletter that carries a message of truth. Pressure from the regime on Iran’s educational centers from the government is proof enough of the regime’s totalitarian nature. This ridiculous crack down on freedom of speech in Iran and continued denial of the Holocaust is clear evidence that Iran’s political leaders are pure evil— striving to silence anyone they can who thinks or speaks contrary to their views. One is left wondering how members of the Obama administration can go on negotiating with Iran’s leadership when such clear examples of the Iranian regime’s totally illogical and immoral behavior continues. Do the administration’s members really think Iranian government officials will keep their word, obey the rule of law or consider basic human morality when the same regime blatantly denies the Holocaust? How naïve! It’s time for America and its leaders to wake up to the reality that Iran’s regime is not to be trusted and this latest episode of their cracking down on freedoms is just another wake up call coming to us directly from Tehran.

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October 13, 2009 | 6:18 am

Iranian Jewish “Lev Foundation” arsies from community tragedy

Posted by Karmel Melamed

Daniel Levian, 26-year-old Iranian Jewish man who was tragically killed in a drunk driving accident in July 2008.

On July 12, 2008 26-year-old Iranian Jewish student Daniel Levian died in a tragic car accident while riding in a car that was driven by an Iranian Jewish young man who was under the influence of alcohol. This painful incident sent shockwaves through L.A.‘s tight-knit Iranian Jewish community which has never experienced such a significant loss through a drunk driving episode. Family members, friends and clergy were all pained by Levian’s loss and sought ways for healing—their answer came in the formation of the “Lev Foundation” in honor of Daniel Levian.

Late last month members and supporters of the Lev Foundation gathered at the Levian family home in Beverly Hills for the foundation’s first annual gala event. Those in attendance celebrated the young man’s life and honored his memory by announcing plans for their various youth educational programs, community services as well as promoting alternative transportation solutions for those who may be drinking alcohol at parties. At the event, I spoke with Joubin Hanaie, one of the Lev Foundation board members who gave some insights into the organization’s objectives. “What we are trying to do is empower young Jewish adults in our community with the attitude and mind set that they can have an impact on their friends and the larger society,” said Hanaie.

As a journalist who has covered Southern California’s Iranian Jewish community for a number of years, I’ve come across the highs and the lows that the community has encountered. Ever since this Levian tragedy occurred I’ve refrained from commenting on it as it has been indeed painful for everyone. However I now find some comfort in the fact that those involved with this young man’s life are taking this negative event and transforming into someone productive for others. My only hope is that members of the Iranian Jewish community never forget this tragedy and also educate their children in drug abuse awareness and the dangers of drunk driving.

The following are just some of the sights I captured from the Lev Foundation gala event…

Lev Foundation members

Lev Foundation board member Joubin Hanaie

More photos of the Lev Foundation’s 2009 gala can be found: here

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October 12, 2009 | 6:18 am

L.A.‘s Iranian Americans want “Neda Square” named in Westwood

Posted by Karmel Melamed

Neda Agha-Soltan, 27-year-old innocent Iranian woman murdered by Iranian regime snipers on June 20, 2009.

After attending the September 23rd protest outside the Federal Building in Westwood, a handful of local Iranian American human rights and community activists informed this journalist of their upcoming campaign to urge the Los Angeles City Council to officially name the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Veteran Street where the Federal Building is located, as “Neda Square”. The name will be in honor of the 27-year-old Iranian woman “Neda Agha-Soltan” whose murder by Iranian milita thugs was captured on video back in June and spread through the Internet via Youtube.com and Twitter. Local Iranian American activist have wanted to honor the slayen young woman by naming the street corner after since she has become a symbol of average Iranians struggle against the inhumanity of Iran’s current regime in the aftermath of this past summer’s sham elections in Iran.

On June 20, 2009, at around 6:30 p.m., Neda Agha-Soltan was sitting in her car in traffic in the city of Tehran. She was accompanied by her music teacher and close friend, Hamid Panahi, and two others. The four were on their way to participate in the protests against the outcome of the 2009 Iranian presidential election. The car’s air conditioner was not working well, so she stopped her car some distance from the main protests and got out on foot to escape the heat. She was standing and observing the sporadic protests in the area when she was shot in the chest by what witnesses said were government militia snipers who were randomly shooting at protesters from roof tops. As captured on amateur video, she collapsed to the ground and was tended to for several seconds. Someone in the crowd around her shouted, “She has been shot! Someone, come and take her!” Her last words were, “I’m burning, I’m burning!” En route to Tehran’s Shariati hospital, she died but video of her violent and bloody death at the hands of the Iranian government snipers spread like wildfire on the Internet and on international news television. The world and Iranians living every where outraged at the complete disregard for life and brutality of Iran’s totalitarian regime. Finally the international community saw the sad reality and hell Iranian citizens have been enduring in their homeland at the hands of heartless murderers running their nation. Agha-Soltan has since become a martyr for many Iranians living in Iran and outside the country who seek regime change in Iran and ultimately a new free democracy in their country.

Agha-Soltan was an aspiring, underground Persian popular singer and musician, who was studying her craft through private voice and music lessons. She had studied the violin and had an as-yet-undelivered piano on order at the time of her death. Music of course is officially prohibited in Iran today that follows a strict fundamentalist Shiite Islamic theology, so her involvement in this career was a big risk. Interestingly those who knew her maintain that Agha-Soltan had not previously been very political – she had not supported any particular candidate in the 2009 Iran elections. On sad note, Iran’s evil regime denied her family a proper funeral for the 27-year-old innocent girl and issued a ban on collective prayers in mosques for Agha-Soltan in the aftermath of the incident.

What’s interesting about the new proposed location of “Neda Sqaure” is the fact that the corner where the Federal Building is located is a place that for the last 30 years has always been a locale for L.A.‘s Iranian Americans to protest the evils of the Iranian government. Never in the past 30 years has there been any call to name the street corner after anyone associated with the community’s protest efforts against the regime in Iran until now. It seems as if Agha-Soltan’s cold blooded murder at the hands of the Iranian regime’s thugs has not only touched a nerve among average Iranian citizens in Iran, but also among those living right here in Southern California.

Now what I ask President Obama and members of his administration is whether they really want to negotiate with a ruthless regime in Iran that totally disregards human life like this and cuts down those yearning for basic freedoms? What kind of message is the Obama Administration sending to those courageous Iranian protesters who are voicing their outrage with their government on the streets when the current Administration is sitting down with Iran’s regime to negotiate? The President of the United States called for “change” and “new hope” for better living in the U.S. and in other countries worldwide. Now that the average Iranian is stepping up and demanding for the same change in their government, they wonder whether the President of the United States is really behind them or just giving them lip service!

Corner street to be named after Neda.

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October 9, 2009 | 6:18 am

Nahai’s departure from DWP surprises L.A.‘s Iranian Jews

Posted by Karmel Melamed

H. David Nahai, former L.A. DWP head and now policy advisor for the Clinton Climate Initiative.

For the last nine years I have come to know H. David Nahai from my experiences in reporting on the local Iranian Jewish community. When I learned that he was resigning as the head of the L.A. Department of Water and Power last Friday, I was not at all shocked as I’ve always known Nahai to be an open-minded person who has always sought to work in the public sector for the greater good of the community. Yet many members of the city’s Iranian Jewish community who have spoken with me since his resignation last week have said they were surprised to learn he was leaving his post.

From the New York Times article recently, it seems as if Nahai is moving onto greener pastures by joining the Clinton Climate Initiative (CCI) as a senior advisor. During the time I’ve known Nahai, in addition to his work in public sector in various capacities, he has also been a vocal among local Iranian Americans of various faiths in urging them to engaged in voting and civic life. Aside from Beverly Hills Councilmember Jimmy Delshad, Nahai has been the only other prominent Iranian American Jew in city government that really encouraged both young and old in our community to embrace the idea of participating in the public sector. Nahai has indeed inspired many young Iranian Americans to also consider running for local elected office.

I can recall Nahai appearing on local Persian language radio stations to urge local Iranians to vote for Al Gore in 2000, to vote for John Kerry in 2004and to first cast their votes for L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa in 2005. In April 2005, about 80 prominent Iranian Jews joined Villaraigosa at the Beverly Hills home of Leon Farahnik, an Iranian Jewish businessman, for a campaign fundraiser that collected close to $40,000—Nahai was a part of the efforts to campaign hard for Villaraigosa in our community. Likewise Nahai personally debated former Mayor Hahn Chief of Staff Tim McOsker in April of 2005 at a Santa Monica event attended by both Jewish and non-Jewish Iranians. At that time when I interviewed Nahai about local Iranian Jewish involved in politics he said “I’ve always said that greater political participation was bound to happen and I think we’re seeing that evolution and development happen right now in our community.”

So considering his deep involvement in politics and real passion for environmental protection, its no wonder Nahai has moved onto a more notable post with CCI. I personally would not be surprised if Nahai ran for high elected office in the near future.

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October 8, 2009 | 6:18 am

L.A.’s Jewish Federation outreaching to local Iranian American Jews

Posted by Karmel Melamed

L.A. Jewish Federation's Iranian Task Force members, the group was formally established in May of 2008.

Earlier this year the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles has wisely been engaging in a campaign to outreach to the successful and emerging Iranian Jewish community which is estimated to be between 40,000 and 45,000 in Southern California. On February 19th, the Federation officially launched its new “Iranian Outreach Initiative” with an intimate parlor meeting attended by 30 members of the Iranian Jewish community. The purpose of this meeting was to share the Federation’s goals and mission and to invite and encourage this active Iranian Jewish community to engage in the Federation’s many programs.

According to sources close to this journalist, the Federation established its “Iranian Outreach Initiative” in order to help bring together the Iranian and broader Jewish communities around shared Jewish values and interests. The initiative focuses on social and professional networking, education, Israel advocacy and social service opportunities. It also exposes Iranian Jews to the myriad involvement opportunities already existing within the Federation, including legal, medical, entertainment, financial services divisions, and the robust Israel and Overseas department. Ultimately, the initiative aims to help unify the entire Jewish community, embracing both shared and unique traditions, and strengthening the community through collaboration.

Kudos to those powers that be at the Federation for having the vision to create this initiative and realizing the true potential of the local Iranian Jewish community. As I’ve said in the past many times, Iranian American Jews living in Southern California are in a very special position where they can interact with both the Jewish community and the larger non-Jewish Iranian community, ultimately acting as a bridge between both worlds. The Iranian Jewish participation in a whole host of local programs and projects could potentially transform the entire state as Iranian Jews have gained tremendous financial, social and educational influence since their arrival in Southern California 30 years ago.

Those interested in getting involved with the Federation’s new “Iranian Outreach Initiative” can email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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October 7, 2009 | 6:18 am

Shame on Nokia and Siemens for aiding Iran’s human rights abuses!

Posted by Karmel Melamed

This past summer with the student uprisings over the fraudulent elections in Iran,  opposition groups and those protesting against the lack of true freedom in Iran were dealt a major blow when trying to coordinate their efforts via the Internet using telecommunications technology. Little did they know their government was spying on them with more sophisticated technology.

Thanks to a joint venture of Siemens AG, the German conglomerate, and Nokia Corp., the Finnish cell phone company—one of the world’s most sophisticated mechanisms for controlling and censoring the Internet was sold to Iran’s regime and enabled the regime’s thugs to examine the content of individual online communications on a massive scale in the country. The end result of using this multi-million dollar technology were beatings, murders and imprisonments by the Iranian government against innocent young Iranians demanding greater freedoms and human rights in their homeland. Sadly not only are Siemens and Nokia facilitating the regime’s repressive practices by providing this technology to the Iranian government, but these companies are also providing the last support for the faltering Iranian economy and facilitating the regime’s diversion of funds to its illicit nuclear program by doing business with Iran.

A June 2009 article in Wall Street Journal reported that the Iranian government’s monitoring of Internet information goes well beyond blocking access to Web sites or severing Internet connections. In fact the regime has been engaged in what is known in the tech world as “deep packet inspection” that allows authorities to not only block communication but to monitor it to gather information about individuals, as well as alter it for disinformation purposes. Not surprisingly during this past July’s election protests in Iran, the regime was altering information student groups were sending to each other via e-mail and through social networking websites in order to cause confusion among protestors and trap them before they could organize protests.

Nokia and Siemens’ selling of such equipment to Iran and other regimes considered repressive is not only morally reprehensible because the technology is used to crack down on dissent, but it is one of the clearest examples of multi-national corporations profiting from countries engaged in human rights abuses. For the executives at Nokia and Siemens to claim that they were unaware of the Iranian government’s use of their technology to crack down on peaceful protestors is ridiculous for anyone to believe considering the Iranian regime’s long history of censorship and reign of terror on dissidents in the country. One can’t help drawing parallel’s between Nokia and Siemens and hundreds of private corporations in Europe who during World War II benefited financially from providing technology the Nazis used to spy on dissents and ultimately eliminate their “enemies” in the concentration camps.

Shame on Nokia and Siemens for lacking the moral integrity and still selling their technology for what they clearly knew would be used against innocent people seeking greater freedoms in Iran! Both of these companies must be barred in the U.S. and elsewhere in the free world from obtaining substantial government contracts. Why should any of our tax dollars go to any company that does not have an ounce of decency when it comes to human rights violations? Thankfully the Los Angeles City government recently dealt Siemens a major blow when it decided not to grant the German company a lucrative contract for their railway project. Perhaps now Siemens will wake up to the reality that they cannot do business with the regime in Iran and at the same time also enjoy financial successes elsewhere in the world! 

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