Rachel R. endured three years of humiliation while seeking a civil divorce from her physically abusive husband in Iran during the late 1980s. Rachel, who asked that The Journal not use her real name, is now 52 and living in Los Angeles. But her divorce nightmare continues more than 20 years later.\n
\”Baruch Hashem, we are very pleased with the new synagogue,\” said Avi Cohan, a local Iranian businessman who is one of the founders of the Downtown Synagogue. \”It looks just amazing with the nice chairs, and it\’s perfect for many of us who wanted a place for prayer at the end of the work day.\”
If \”American Idol\” runner-up Katherine McPhee can enjoy even half the success achieved by Shiri Maimon, runner-up of the first season of Israel\’s version of the show — dubbed \”A Star Is Born\” — then she will be lucky. With a powerful voice and Britney-esque looks and videos, Maimon, 25, has become one of Israel\’s most sought-after and popular pop stars since winning fourth place in the Eurovision singing competition last year, representing Israel with the moving ballad, \”Sheket She\’nishar.\”
Rumors of anti-Semitic laws in Iran have disturbed local Iranian Jews who have been increasingly concerned for the safety of roughly 25,000 Jews still living in Iran since Ahmadinejad denied the existence of the Holocaust and called for Israel to \”wiped off the map\” late last year.
Kolet\’s participation in charity events has put her onstage with artists such as Elton John, U2\’s Bono and, most recently, Andrea Boccelli. She has developed a close working relationship with Klaus Meine of the legendary German rock band, the Scorpions, having performed with him last year in Israel.
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.\n
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