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Iranian Jewish Life in Los Angeles: Past and Present

Saba Soomekh, Author

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B'nai B'rith and the Fariborz Fred Matloob Unit, Los Angeles: Joseph Gabbaian

c. Video *

* We are still waiting for Joseph Gabbaian to give us permission to use the video of the interview we conducted with him. Please do not post the video until we have gotten his permission.


Joseph Gabbaian is the current president of the Fariborz Fred Matloob Unit of B’nai B’rith. Joseph graduated from McGill University with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He became involved with the Fariborz Fred Matloob Unit of B’nai B’rith after his father in-law asked him to attend meetings to help preserve Iranian Jewish customs among young Iranians. Joseph Gabbaian’s father-in-law asked him to be a part of the unit after the passing of his brother-in-law. This provided him with a personal connection to the organization. After demonstrating care and passion for the cause, he was asked to become president of the chapter.

Joseph Gabbaian was interviewed in January of 2015, in order to learn more about his involvement in B’nai B’rith’s Iranian chapter. Mr. Gabbian began by discussing the inception of the unit and why it was created. He stated that this unit was created in order to cater to the needs of the Iranian Jews in Los Angeles. Mr. Gabbian also discussed his personal life in the interview. He talked about his journey to Los Angeles from Iran to Canada to Denver and finally to Los Angeles. His unconventional journey from location to location brought out his personal interest in real estate. Mr. Gabbian showed a love for the country he calls home and expressed a sincere care for the community in which he contributes so much to the Iranian Jewish community.

Inside of Mr. Gabbaian’s office there is no mezuzah. Instead, a helmet which once belonged to an Israeli firefighter hangs on his wall. Joseph states that it is far more important to portray his connection to Israel at the workplace rather than his connection to Judaism. This is synonymous to B’nai B’rith’s love and respect for Israel. This shows that even the Iranian chapter of B’nai B’rith shares the same sentiment for Israel and positively contributes to endlessly promoting the endurance and prosperity of the State of Israel.
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