Non-Iranians often ask me what the big deal is about the secular Persian New Year’s celebrations of “No Ruz” which marks the beginning of Spring each year. Aside from the sense of nostalgia and cultural re-connection Iranian Americans get for with the celebration of No Ruz each year, I personally believe it is one of those very rare occasions when individuals of different religious background come together to celebrate life and coexistence. If you think about when else and where else would you have Jews, Muslims, Christians, Baha’is and Zoroastrians joining together in a sense of brotherhood and friendship? The unique land of freedom and tolerance which is America allows for individuals from different religions to celebrate this rare opportunity each year. Therefore you have to pause briefly and recognize this special instance in human history where you briefly have the ideal of different faiths coming together and really loving as well as respecting one another.
This year was indeed no exception as you had nearly 5,000 Iranian American Angelinos packing a portion of Westwood Boulevard on March 23rd to celebrate No Ruz with one another with dance, incredible food and tradition Persian music. The following are just some of the special comments made local elected officials and some sights from the celebrations of No Ruz in Westwood Village…
L.A. County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky praises the contributions of local Iranian-Americans…
Former L.A. City Councilmember and current U.S. Congressman Tony Cardenas speaks from the heart about local Iranian Americans…
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(left to right; Beverly Hills city planning commissioner Joe Shooshani, L.A. County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, U.S. Congressman Tony Cardenas, L.A. City Councilmember Paul Koretz and Iranian businessman Alex Helmi during No Ruz celebrations in Westwood Village, photo by Karmel Melamed).
Iranian-American city employee David Rahimian being interviewed by Persian language media during No Ruz celebrations.
