Nessah Honors Rabbanit Heshmat Shofet

By Karmel Melamed
Published on November 16, 2009

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

By Karmel Melamed
Published on November 14, 2009

Why I continue to write about L.A.‘s Iranian Jews

By Karmel Melamed
Published on December 11, 2008

Wiesenthal Center and L.A.‘s Iranian Jews help fight Holocaust denial propaganda

By Karmel Melamed
Published on November 17, 2008

Young Iranian Jews react to 2008 election results

By Karmel Melamed
Published on November 10, 2008

Photo Essay: L.A.‘s Iranian Jews repaying Alliance’s generosity

By Karmel Melamed
Published on November 1, 2008

Podcast: Why do 20,000 Jews still live in Iran?

By Karmel Melamed
Published on October 16, 2008

Photo essay: Kudos to 30 Years After on their conference

By Karmel Melamed
Published on September 22, 2008

It’s not easy having 9/11 as a birthday

By Karmel Melamed
Published on September 10, 2008

Looking back on the Iranian revolution after 30 years

By Karmel Melamed
Published on September 6, 2008

A Eulogy for Mr. Davidoff

By Karmel Melamed
Published on August 31, 2008

Remembering the late Elias Eshaghian

By Karmel Melamed
Published on August 19, 2008

Podcast: Exclusive interview with U.S. Congressman Howard Berman about Obama & Iran

By Karmel Melamed
Published on August 11, 2008

L.A.‘s young Iranian Jews feeling sidelined

By Karmel Melamed
Published on July 22, 2008

Podcast: Anderson proposes new Iran divestment bill in CA Assembly

By Karmel Melamed
Published on July 13, 2008

Podcast: Magbit’s Young Leadership making waves for education in Israel

By Karmel Melamed
Published on July 8, 2008

Podcast: Iranian Jews on Obama and McCain

By Karmel Melamed
Published on July 6, 2008

AUDIO: Iranian American Jews —Supporting U.S. troops

By Karmel Melamed
Published on June 9, 2008

Nessah Synagogue's young Iranian Jewish professionals discuss their support for U.S. soldiers fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq as well as their preparation of 'care packages' for U.S. forces.

AUDIO: Iranian American Jews —Death and violence in the community (taboo?)

By Karmel Melamed
Published on May 1, 2008

Local Iranian Jewish community leaders recent incidents of violence among and the taboo on discussing the topic.

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

By Karmel Melamed
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

By Karmel Melamed
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

By Karmel Melamed
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 —Jimmy Delshad, former Mayor of Beverly Hills

By Karmel Melamed
Published on March 14, 2008

AUDIO: Iranian American Jews -- Jimmy Delshad, former Mayor of Beverly Hills

AUDIO: Iranian American Jews —Dennis Prager and Shmuley Boteach praise local community

By Karmel Melamed
Published on March 7, 2008

AUDIO: Iranian American Jews -- Dennis Prager and Shmuley Boteach praise local community

AUDIO: Iranian American Jews remember scholar Dr. Amnon Netzer

By Karmel Melamed
Published on February 17, 2008

Southern California's Iranian Jews remember the life of world-renowned Iranian Jewish scholar Dr. Amnon Netzer.

Photo exhibit of Persian Jewry on exhibit at Huntington

By Karmel Melamed
Published on October 26, 2006

Jewish photojournalist Shelley Gazin has managed to capture the true essence of Persian Jewish life in a series of photographs.

What lies Beneath Westwood Boulevard’s golden dome?

By Karmel Melamed
Published on September 14, 2006

With its sparkling 24-karat gold dome and Jerusalem stone exterior, the new 25,000-square-foot Southern California Jewish Center (SCJC) stands out more than just a little among the various stores and restaurants.

Israeli Diplomats Reach Out to L.A. Iranian Media

By Karmel Melamed
Published on September 7, 2006

Representatives from Southern California-based Persian-language satellite radio stations and television shows attended a special press conference on Aug. 28, held for them at Los Angeles' Israeli consulate, the first public interaction between the Israeli government and local Persian-language media in more than 25 years.

Q & A With Bahar Soomekh

By Karmel Melamed
Published on May 11, 2006

Persian Jewish actress Bahar Soomekh earned some serious attention last year when she played a young Iranian in "Crash," the Academy Award winner for best picture. She's now appearing in an even bigger role -- playing alongside Tom Cruise in the thriller, "M:I:III." On the eve of the film's debut, Soomekh spoke about growing up Persian Jewish in Los Angeles and about her career.

Iranian Jewish Spiritual Icon Dies

By Karmel Melamed
Published on June 30, 2005

Hacham Yedidia Shofet, a spiritual icon for Persian Jews both in Iran and the United States died last week at 96 in Los Angeles.

Persian Jews Dive Into Politics

By Karmel Melamed
Published on June 30, 2005

When Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa took office on July 1, he could have handed out thank-yous to groups all over the city for his Election Day drubbing of incumbent Mayor James Hahn.

Jews, in all their local permutations, were a big part of Villaraigosa's victory: Orthodox Jews, Valley Jews, Westside liberal Jews -- and also the politically emerging community of Iranian Jews.

"The Iranian Jewish community is very much a part of this city," said David Nahai, a Century City attorney. "What happens to Los Angeles happens to us and so we have a deeply vested interest in the outcome of this race."

Only recently have many prominent Iranian Jews in Southern California become more involved in political races -- after realizing the impact elected officials have on their business interests, which for many include substantial real estate holdings.

Local Iranians Counsel Congress

By Karmel Melamed
Published on August 19, 2004

As Iran's fundamentalist regime has increased its persecution of Jews and become a major sponsor of terrorism in the Middle East, local Iranian Jewish leaders have stepped up efforts to inform U.S. officials of the increasing danger posed by the Islamic nation.

Center Aids Iranians in Need of Help

By Karmel Melamed
Published on July 15, 2004

After only a few months in Los Angeles, Shirley N., a 30-year-old Jewish immigrant from Iran, almost returned to her homeland because of financial difficulties.