The recent military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran have elicited a spectrum of reactions from community members in Los Angeles. The attacks, which resulted in the death of Ayatollah Khamenei, have been characterized by many as a significant turning point in the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
In interviews with The Journal, reactions varied widely, with some expressing elation at the news. Rabbi Tarlan Rabizadeh, vice president for Jewish engagement at American Jewish University, stated, “I’m elated, I’m excited, I hope they finish the job.” He emphasized the importance of minimizing civilian casualties and expressed concern for the safety of Americans and Jews amid rising tensions. “The algorithms are skewed; there are things out there that are false. I’m even scared with Purim happening tonight that someone could target Jews,” he added, referring to the Jewish holiday that coincided with the escalating conflict.
At a gala event for Builders of Jewish Education (BJE) on March 1, 2024, CEO Miriam Heller Stern spoke to approximately 400 attendees about the importance of Jewish education during such turbulent times. “This is obviously a moment of great upheaval for the Jewish community,” she remarked. Stern highlighted that investing in education is a unifying cause that should not be set aside during crises.
The political landscape surrounding the attacks reveals a divide among U.S. lawmakers. Many Republicans, including U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, praised the actions taken by President Donald Trump, with Cruz calling it “the single most important decision of his presidency.” In contrast, several Democratic officials have criticized the strikes, although some, like Rep. Brad Sherman, acknowledged the targeting of military sites rather than civilians in American and Israeli operations.
On the evening of February 28, the day following the initial strikes, Iranians gathered in Westwood, a vibrant hub for the Persian community in Los Angeles, to celebrate Khamenei’s death. Local attorney and community leader Sam Yebri expressed solidarity online, stating, “The operation to liberate the Iranian people is not about left or right, but right or wrong.” He emphasized that the cheers from the Iranian populace indicate a desire for change.
The Jewish Federation Los Angeles has actively monitored the situation, providing updates across social media platforms. They coordinated a briefing on March 1 with prominent figures, including Israeli journalist Haviv Rettig Gur and Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) President Eric Fingerhut. Gur challenged the narrative that Israel has drawn the U.S. into the conflict, asserting, “I think this is about China … Iran is the base of the anti-American axis in the Middle East.”
In a statement, the Jewish Federation expressed support for the Iranian-Jewish community in Los Angeles, indicating they are working with local law enforcement to ensure safety amid heightened tensions. “As the situation in the Middle East continues to unfold, many in our community are looking for reliable information and reassurance,” they stated. “Our hearts are with the Israeli people, with soldiers defending our ancestral homeland, with American service members, and with the anxious families living under a cloud of uncertainty.”
Milken Community School, a local Jewish high school with a significant Iranian-Jewish student body, echoed similar sentiments. They acknowledged the emotional impact of the events on their community, emphasizing unity during this critical moment.
As the situation in the Middle East evolves, the reactions from Los Angeles reflect a complex interplay of hope, fear, and a commitment to communal solidarity in the face of adversity.
