What has always fascinated me about the people who left Iran is the way they feel so attached to the country. Unlike many Jews who lived in Eastern European countries, or even the Jews of Iraq, the Jews of Iran very much felt that this was their country. They, for the most part, did well financially, held government posts, and integrated into daily life. 
Of course, there was anti-Semitism; it was still a predominantly Islamic country. But, it was a country that was quickly progressing. The Shah even took the bold move of recognizing Israel. In fact, Iran, Turkey, and Israel were allies for a number of years – the three non-Arab countries of the Middle East.
Those days are long gone. Iran is Israel’s greatest fear, and I’d even say, Public Enemy Number One. Two weeks ago I was in D.C. lobbying by senators to increase Iran sanctions, but last week I had a revealing Iran experience. 
Again, I was checking my mom’s email and we came across a slideshow from the days of the Shah. As we watched the slideshow – in the kitchen with the lights off, and music on a loud volume for full effect – tears came to both our eyes.
Don’t get me wrong, things were not perfect by any means. But for my parents he represents a time when things were getting better for their birth country. Their lives were a timeline in every Iranian’s own life. The Pahlavis represent all that is regal in my mother’s eyes. They represent the Iran my parents would like to one-day take their children back to see.
The Slideshow: Iran & The Pahlavi Family
No Food For Thought 
Leave a Reply