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Iranian Jewish Life in Los Angeles: Past and Present

Saba Soomekh, Author

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Elat Market: Pico-Robertson Area


Up until about 20 years ago, the majority of the Jewish community resided in the Fairfax District and in Hancock Park. That is when Rahim Golbari decided to open up a kosher market in the Pico-Robertson area, where rent was low and streets were wide. After the opening of Elat Market, the Jewish community slowly started to migrate towards the Pico-Robertson area. As Kevin Novinbakht said, “Elat Market started the Jewish community here. Before Elat Market, there was no business in the Pico-Robertson area. Once Elat Market started to flourish, the real estate went up and people started to move their Jewish businesses here. People tried to get their businesses as close to Elat Market as they could.” 

After the Iranian Revolution broke out in 1979, a large Iranian Jewish population fled Iran and came to America, particularly Los Angeles. In response, Rahim Golbari decided to create an Iranian Jewish Market. In the surrounding neighborhood, there are many non-Persians living, yet they have responded very well to the Iranian community and an Iranian market in that area. They have learned more about their customs and traditions, and have learned how the Iranian Jews behave with each other and as a community.
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