Iranian American Jewish Federation (IAJF)

Emergency Fund Committee's Mesage as Jewish New Year Approaches

==========================================

==========================================

A Celebration of the Life & Legacy of Haj Habib Elghanayan

Thirty eight years after the cruel and tragic execution of Haj Habib Elghanayan, the Iranian American Jewish Federation proudly celebrated his life and legacy, honoring and paying tribute to his historic contributions to Iran and Iranians of all faiths.

This glorious gathering of more than 1800 on October 15, 2017, at the Saban Theater in Beverly Hills was open to the public, including every age, nationality and religion. Dignitaries from Azerbaijan, Croatia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Japan, Israel and the United States along with Elghanayan’s family were in attendance.

Esteemed speakers, old colleagues, journalists, religious leaders, friends and family highlighted Elghanayan’s great leadership, achievements and services to advance commerce, industry, technology, education, welfare and healthcare throughout Iran.

They marveled at his amazing sense of responsibility, humility, generosity, selflessness, wisdom, vision, patriotism and love of family, truly a sincere Iranian as well as a devoted Jew.

The program began with the national anthems of the United States, Israel and Iran, accompanied by the enthusiastic audience. Dr. Mehdi Aghazamani, master of ceremonies, welcomed the audience and invited Mrs. Susan Azizzadeh, the president of the Iranian American Jewish Federation’s Executive Board.

In her inclusive speech, Mrs. Azizzadeh highlighted the historic impact of the Iranian Jews in Iran for over 2700 years. She also stressed the late Elghanayan’s altruism and sacrifices as the leader of Iranian Jews for two decades as well as the importance of recognition of the groundbreaking services and contributions of Haj Habib Elghanayan, in particular encouraging coming generations to learn from them.

The next speaker, Mr. Nasser Oliaee, a prominent and successful businessman who had worked with Elghanayan and was a close friend, introduced Habib’s innovative ways in commerce and bringing industries like plastic and aluminum to Iran. He offered a detailed report of all Haj Habib’s impressive traits and his endeavors to care for his compatriots, including opening Iran’s markets to foreign countries and even export to China. He emphasized that Haj Habib’s return back to Iran after the 1979 revolution was simply to protect the Jewish Iranians and his love for Iran. He was presented with an appreciation plaque by Mrs. Azizzadeh, the president and Mr. Manochehr Nazarian, Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Mr. Menashe Amir, the very knowledgeable and popular Radio Israel Farsi Department host for 60 years, who had traveled to Los Angeles for this commemoration, paid his respect by explaining why innocent Haj Habib was singled out to become the first Jew executed by the new regime, despite unfounded lies and false accusations.

Mr. Nourollah Gabay, esteemed community leader explained the enormous role individuals like Haj Habib play in the evolution of a community and eventually a country, with their wisdom, knowledge, leadership, and love for humanity.

In an informative documentary film made by Mr. Abbas Hojatpanah, the life and achievements of Haj Habib were portrayed with original photos and testimonies, concluding with his tragic and shocking execution. A complimentary copy of the CD was offered to the attendees.

For the first time in history, silver coins were minted with the image of Haj Habib Elghanyan to commemorate this treasured man.

Rabbi David Shofet recital of the mourner prayers was shared by the entire audience while standing. The display of emotion was a long overdue tribute to the late Haj Habib who was buried with only three people in attendance, while deserving thousands.

Mrs. Azizzadeh joined Rabbi Shofet on stage and invited the audience to partner with the Emergency Fund Committee of the Iranian American Jewish Federation to help the needy as a tribute to the memory of Haj Habib who always assisted whoever reached out to him. She gave three examples of hundreds of cases reviewed and assisted by the Emergency Fund committee which provoked a lot of emotions.

Before introducing the next speaker, Mrs. Azizzadeh acknowledged and appreciated the efforts and assistance of Mrs. Sholeh Shams, Editor in Chief of Rahavard quarterly publication in producing the tribute book which was distributed at the night of the event. The book embraces a message from Empress Farah Pahlavi admiring Habib Elghanayan as an honest patriot who contributed immensely to advance commerce and industry in Iran. Her Highness commended IAJF for preserving Iranian culture and honoring the philanthropists who had served our beloved country, Iran.

Ms. Sholeh Shams who had kindly and tirelessly edited the commemorating tribute book shared the important messages of Mr. Ardeshir Zahedi, former Iranian Ambassador to the United States, as well as Dr. Jamshid Amouzegar, former Iranian Prime Minister, to acknowledge Elghanayan’s invaluable contributions to Iran and offer their sincere condolences to his family.

Mr. Jack Rochel, a well versed historian and activist comparing Haj Habib to the Jewish philosopher, Montefiore, spoke of Haj Habib, his legacy and the need to have memorial monuments or foundations in his honor to keep his name alive and to inspire the future generations to follow his path, his benevolence and his kindness to all.

From family, Mr. Shahab Moreh, his grandson; Mrs. Shahnaz Ghodsian, his niece; and Mr. Karmel Elghanyan, his son; spoke of the amazing role model Haj Habib has been and will continue to be. “He never rejected any request for help. His love for family and celebrating the Iranian traditions and Jewish rituals was exceptional. His family is so proud of him, as are the rest of the Iranian Jews”.

The surprise conclusion of the program was Haj Habib’s favorite song, “Habibam ro Mikham”, performed by esteemed singer, the late Marzieh, and sang by two of Elghanayan’s great grandchildren, Jasmine and Jason Cohanim.

A beautiful reception was arranged by IAJF and the family before and after the program.

To watch the entire event please click here.

نکو داشت خدمات و ميراث حاج حبيب القانيان