Young Persian Jews Mix Partying and Politics at Summer Soiree

Nearly 400 young professionals joined the Iranian American Jewish organization 30 Years After at a private residence in Bel Air for its annual “Stars and Stripes” summer soiree on Aug. 15.

Guests at the gathering not only enjoyed a night of drinks and dancing but also signed petitions calling on California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to refrain from doing business with multinational corporations such as Siemens, which have business ties with Iran’s regime. “Encouraging young Jewish professionals — even at a social event raising funds for charity — to sign a petition urging the state to cease doing business with companies that do business with Iran serves to remind us that we as a community can make a difference,” said Sam Yebri, president of 30 Years After.

Proceeds from ticket sales benefited Jewish World Watch, Tel Aviv University’s Center for Iranian Studies and Tomchei Shabbos, a nonprofit that provides kosher meals to needy Jewish families in Los Angeles.