Photo essay: Iranian Jews celebrate Israel’s 60th in Los Angeles

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Karmel Melamed

May 19, 2008

Photo

Yesterday I had the rare pleasure of attending one of Israel’s 60th independence day celebrations here in Los Angeles at Woodley Park which attracted thousands of local Jews—including Iranian Jews. The event was packed with Israeli music, food, carnival type rides, booths with different organization’s displaying their information and keynote speakers. Most notably California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was present to congratulate Israel and her supporters at the event.

Aside from the extreme heat, I was delighted to see such a large turnout of local support for Israel but not surprised to see so many Iranian Jews. Southern California’s Iranian Jews have always held a special place in their hearts for Israel because of the trauma of the 1979 Iranian Revolution they have endured. Israel gives them hope and a sense of pride that that have their own homeland to give them protection should any entity try to bring harm upon them.

The following are some snap shots I took of local Iranian Jews and other Jews enjoying the jubilation of the Israel 60th independence day.