March 7, 2010 | 12:20 am

Webcast: Iranian Jewish Attorney Yebri recognized by PJA

Posted by Karmel Melamed

Follow JewishJournal.com on

Iranian Jewish attorney and activist Sam Yebri, photo by Karmel Melamed

Nearly two years ago 20-something L.A. area Iranian Jewish attorney Sam Yebri made a name for himself by forming the now popular “30 Years After” organization among Southern California’s emerging successful young Iranian American Jewish professionals. Today the larger Jewish community in the city has taken noticed of his remarkable efforts as the Iranian Jewish community in L.A. which was once afraid of political activism has now embraced the concept of participating in our democracy. On March 4th the L.A. based Progressive Jewish Alliance (PJA) recognized Yebri with their Young Changemaker award for his efforts in encouraging young Iranian Jews to become socially and politically activity through his group “30 Years After”.

While our blog and podcast have been following the activities of “30 Years After” since their formation two years ago, our webcast recently caught up with Yebri for a one-on-one interview about this new honor, his activities with the PJA and where he sees the future of social activism among Iranian American Jews. The following is our webcast interview with Yebri….

Even though a number of younger Iranian Jewish professionals attended the PJA gathering that was honoring Yebri, the organization’s left leaning views regarding a whole host of topics including labor unions, gay marriage or immigration may not be all that popular among the generation of older Iranian Jews who tend to be more conservative. Nevertheless, Yebri, who is also among one of the most eligible bachelors in L.A.’s Iranian Jewish community, will most certainly attract attention for the PJA among younger folks in our community. No doubt the Iranian Jewish community has its eyes on Yebri as he continues his community activism and perhaps may even enter the public sector in the not to distant future.