Posted on 12/02/2009 8:48:52 PM PST by Ari Bussel
The Persian Community by Ari Bussel
In Israel there are jokes from every conceivable origin, for Israel is a country made up of a diversity of Jews. They returned from the Diaspora and joined the few that have been here throughout time. The Persian community is thus no different than any other. These jokes have a grain of truth and help us laugh at ourselves and at the variations we all bring to this melting pot of Israeli society.
The Persian community is characterized, in my mind’s eye, by three traits: close-knit, the value it places on education and its staunch support of Israel. From celebrating holidays, to gathering as a protector when a disaster befalls, the Persians are very family- oriented. Second, parents would do anything to provide the very best education to their children. Academic achievement and the aspiration to become lawyers, doctors, architects and other professionals are engrained in the community and form a very strong value.
Then comes Israel. The Persian community outside of Iran (first and foremost in my hometown of Beverly Hills, where one third of the community is Persian, and then in London and elsewhere) has a very soft spot for Israel. When Israel is attacked, members of the Persian community open their homes and their wallets, and the money flows. There are no questions asked, no need to elaborate on anything but routes to help. This extraordinary support stems from the same family values – the Persians feel Israel is a very important member of their families, thus they would stop at nothing when the need arises.
According to different estimates, there are 25,000 – 30,000 Jews in Iran today. I, for one, do not understand why are they still there. Clearly they are not being held hostage, for everyone else is able to go in and out. A friend was employing a young, religious Jew from Iran who went back from the States to Iran last year to marry. Being true to my natural curiosity and what I consider journalistic obligation and integrity, I would have taken a flight to Tehran to personally inspect, witness, investigate and report. In the case of Iran, though, I am afraid.
If I were to do that, I likely would be taken prisoner, either as an American spy or a Zionist agent-conspirator. My devotion to the profession is noble, but my obligations to myself and my family are greater than risking being used as a parade icon by the Iranian regime. Thus, I am left wondering about the fate of the Iranian Jews and reminisce about the beautiful places in Iran, from the Caspian Sea to Shiraz and Isfahan, the bazaars and the palaces, the rug and metal industries (not the missiles type though) and the vast deserts – all places I saw in person thirty-some years ago.
The Persians never considered themselves Middle Eastern Arabs. Their history, culture and language all point to a more sophisticated people. This must always be lurking in the back of their minds, separating them from the rest, elevating them to a different status. We must also be cognizant of it at all times, as we are too often quick to dismiss the Iranian threat. Iranians are much more sophisticated and technologically advanced than we realize or want to admit. The threat is real.
Let us make no mistakes: The threat is not only Iran militarizing its nuclear powers. There are many other ways to inflict harm, from chemical to biological warfare, from cyber-terrorism to electro-magnetic pulse, from creating ecological disasters with long-term implications (such as setting oil fields on fire or closing the Straits of Hormuz and contaminating the water via oil spills) to other unthinkable “technologies” only Iran was able to fathom and perfect. Iran has mastered all these techniques and has a few more up its sleeve (including armies of homicide bombers, human carriers of biological agents, etc.).
Iran has sent her best and brightest to study in the USA. There is currently no reliable figure of all “true Iranians” (as opposed to those who sought refuge after the fall of the Shah in 1979 and the rise of Khomeini). They are still here, doing their doctoral or post-doctoral studies. Many others work at technology or scientific companies at the forefront of research and development. All is done complements of - and in - the United States of America.
Thus, when Iranian President Ahmadinejad warns Israel and America, I listen very attentively. These are not just empty words or idle threats. They are a statement of action to be carried out at Iran’s timeframe and convenience. For us the horizon is much closer, time units much shorter, everything has to happen here and now (much like all else in our daily lives and the expectation of immediate gratification). The case with Iran is diametrically different.
I was thus moved by the loyalty not only of Iranian Jews but Muslim Iranians living outside Iran today who responded to my December 1st Report from Israel (“The Advancing Storm”). When Christians, Muslims and Jews can stand together as a barrier in the face of the ever-increasing Storm of the Century, one knows that times are desperate, that we fathom the dangers and that we can rely on one another to fight together (albeit for different reasons altogether).
May the Almighty who blessed our forefathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob walk with us at this time. May we have the courage to proceed, the strength to hold to our beliefs and truths and the wisdom and power to win in a way that will ensure we can continue occupying this plant called Earth. May G-d Bless Israel.
Re: Creation of volunteer Iranian Relief Organization for Israel
Dear Ari,
Your honest truth about what is in store for Israel has greatly disturbed all of us. I have had discussion with our small group and sure many Iranians will feel the same.
Please think about this idea and let us know.
Proposal: Creation of Iranian War relief Volunteers Organization for Israel
Basically the idea is simple. We will recruit volunteers from the exiled Iranian community to assist the people of Israel if any hostility breaks out.
This is a civilian, humanitarian group regardless of their fate, to come to Israel and lend hand any way possible to reduce the burden of our fellow Israeli brothers and sisters.
The recruits will be wide range of volunteers. Doctors, Nurses, Engineers, Civil Servants, Cooks, drivers Etc.
If a school teacher is called to service, there will be volunteer as His/Her substitute. If a building is hit by a rocket, we will be there to help clear the debris.
If there is a need for a cook in community centers we will be there to give all we got.
The funding for this Corp. can be gathered within our community and other relief organizations. We are sure there are countless Iranians who feel the same way we do. They will volunteer to help in any way possible.
In addition to above, the formation of this group will be hard slap on the corrupt face of the killer Mullah's ruling Iran by force! Just imagine the publicity!
The creation of this volunteer group will give a clear message to the world that Iranians and Israeli population have no animosity towards each other. It is the shameless regime for their survival are trying to make us enemies.
Please check with the decision makers to see if we are allowed to do such a thing and get their inputs as well.
One thing for sure. You already have 10 volunteers!
Good luck and God Bless our dear friend.
[Written by a Muslim Iranian. This Postcard is in his tribute.]
### In the series “Postcards from Israel,” Ari Bussel and Norma Zager invite readers throughout the world to join them as they present reports from Israel as seen by two sets of eyes: Bussel’s on the ground, Zager’s counter-point from home. Israel and the United States are inter-related - the two countries we hold dearest to our hearts - and so is this “point - counter-point” presentation that has, since 2008, become part of our lives.
© Postcards from Home, December, 2009 Contact: aribussel@gmail.com
According to different estimates, there are 25,000 – 30,000 Jews in Iran today.
we have a housekeeper at my work who escaped from Iran several years ago with 4 small children....she never calls herself Iranian....she probably thinks people will not trust her if they knew she was “Iranian”.....she refers to herself as “Persian” and that is what I refer to her as well....
I learned a great deal from reading your website Ari, thank you for posting here, particularly the article TOUGH CHOICES:
...It is time to make hard choices – a minority with national aspirations must have its wings cut, for it presents a clear and present danger to the entity-state. A minority recognizing it is part of an existing state, respecting its obligations as members of the state and enjoying the many benefits associated with such an “entitlement” or privilege, continues to be a viable and vibrant part of society.
Israel’s minority citizens would prefer always to be a minority in the Jewish State than part of a majority of an Arab State. They must decide and act accordingly...
If you’d like to be on or off, please FR mail me.
..................
I know a couple of Persians who take great offense at being called Iranian. They were both forced to fight in the Iran/Iraq war and loath the Islamic government with every fiber of their beings. Islam came from the Arabs and Persians hate Arabs big time.
Persians have a very proud history and most of them view Islam as an invading Arab religion. Persians are/were Zoroastrians. And, one of the most overlooked aspects of the unrest after the last election was that the freedom movement was very much an expression of Persian cultural identity and pride. Its one of the reasons the mullahs put it down so harshly.
My pleasure. :’)
Another point is many, many muslim Iranians have Jewish ancestors and many, many more Iranians are closet Zoroastrian, which, for those that do not know, counts itself one of the oldest monotheistic religions, very similiar in philosophy (philosophy, not theology) as Judaism and Christian.
Persia and Persians are neat people.
They need to overthrow the yoke of the nutbags who are in charge.
Persians being a correctly proud people, I debate, however, if outside “help” in the regard will cause them to become proud and unite against any outside “helper.”
It’s my understanding that the Zoroastrians were in many ways, the forerunners of Judaism.
I would disagree, but the mutula influence from the Jewish captivity in Persia is apparent.
>”It’s my understanding that the Zoroastrians were in many ways, the forerunners of Judaism.”
You are right.
It must be noted that Judaism along with Christianity and later Islam, are all semitic and Abrahamic religions.
Although some aspects & practices of these faiths “Abrahamic Religions” are borrowed from Zoroastrianism (a non Abrahamic faith), such as Monotheism.
Islam an Abrahamic religion ? Descendants of Abraham ? Clearly the creator of the universe, YHvH, does not choose them ! Descendants of Abraham? YHvH does not think so, He repudiates them ! YHvH states that Isaac is Abraham's only son See Genesis 22:2 22:12 22:16 & Hebrews 11:17 The Name of Elohim is YHvH; He says so ! The Name of His Son is Yah'shua ( YHvH is my Salvation )
shalom b'SHEM Yah'shua HaMashiach
>” Descendants of Abraham ?”
I did not say “descendants of Abraham”.
I said “Semitic and Abrahamic Faiths” in relation to Zoroastrianism, which is Non-Semitic, Non-Abrahamic religion.
Judaism, Christianity and Islam (Baha’i faith is also Abrahamic or at least claims to be part Abrahamic, as an extension of its parent religion i.e. Islam) do share a close and common thread, in many cases, including theology and some very similar practices. Especially in the case of Islam and Judaism (Orthodox Jews in particular and in terms of practices).
Islam did borrow from non-Abrahamic, non-semitic Zoroastrian faith & philosophy as Judaism and Christianity did.
But, Islam has been much more influenced by Judaism, in particular, as well as some aspects of Christianity. Do you deny this?
Additionally & Specifically:
For Jews, Abraham is, through Isaac and Jacob, the founding patriarch of the Children of Israel.
Christians view Abraham as an important exemplar of faith, and a spiritual, as well as physical, ancestor of Jesus —a Jew considered the Son of God through whom God promised to bless all the families of the earth. For Christians, Abraham is a spiritual forebear rather than a direct ancestor, as defined by Paul the Apostle,[Rom. 4:9-12] with the Abrahamic Covenant “reinterpreted so as to be defined by faith in Christ rather than biological descent”;[31] see also New Covenant. In Christian belief, Abraham is a role model of faith,[Heb. 11:8-10] and his obedience to God by offering Isaac is seen as a foreshadowing of God’s offering of his son Jesus.
For Muslims, Abraham is a prophet, who stands in the line from Noah to Muhammad to whom Allah gave revelations,[Qur’an 4:163] who “raised the foundations of the House” (i.e., the Ka’aba)[Qur’an 2:127] with his first son, Isma’il. Ibrahim (Abraham) is the first in a genealogy for Muhammad.
No matter what one may think of Wiki, it is well referenced (see other links).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abrahamic_religions
YHvH is the Elohim of AbraHAM, Isaac and Israel. Allah is not YHvH. Only Judaism and followers of the Jewish Messiah worship YHvH. Ishmael was born to Abram, not born to AbraHAM.
shalom b'SHEM Yah'shua HaMashiach
A clear reading of G-d's Word will demonstrate this.
My previous reply to you was only to say that there are core & shared references to & belief in “AbraHAM” in Judaism, Christianity and Islam (and Baha’i faith) – hence why the mentioned, most often than not, are classified as “Abrahamic Religions”.
As you indicated there are also discrepancies.
I’m curious, can you tell me: Is “Abram” a different person to “AbraHAM”? Can you give details of who “Abram” was ?
Thanks & Shalom
A study on the breath of Elohim:shalom b'SHEM Yah'shua HaMashiachAbram became Abraham
Abram became Abraham when Elohim breathed into Abram
the Ru'ach HaKodesh as indicated by the "HEY" at the end of his name.Sarai became Sarah
Sarai became Sarah when Elohim breathed into Sarai
the Ru'ach HaKodesh as indicated by the "HEY" at the end of her name.See the letter : Hey
Ishmael was born to Abram, when Abram was in the flesh,
before Elohim breathed the Ru'ach HaKodesh into him.Isaac was born to Abraham and Sarah after Elohim
breathed the Ru'ach HaKodesh into both of them.See Genesis 17 for the transition from Abram to Abraham.
Specifically Genesis 17:5
NAsbU Genesis 17:5 "No longer shall your name be called Abram,
But your name shall be Abraham;
For I will make you the father of a multitude of nations.
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