Shalah Javdan’s migration story differs from that of the typical Iranian Jews in Los Angeles. After earning her bachelor degree from the Institute of Food Chemistry in Tehran, Iran, Javdan moved to the United States with her family. They settled in Cleveland, Ohio, where she found acceptance in the local Jewish community. When she moved to New York a few years later, Javdan realized that community involvement would be the way for her to connect with her new country. She eventually became involved in seven different major organizations and built a reputation among the Iranian Jews of the New York community. After thirty-five years, Javdan decided to move to California, where she was contacted about her previous work and offered a position as the chair for the women’s division of Iranian American Jewish Federation. After two years, she accepted the offer and became whole-heartedly committed to the federation’s work. After a few more years, IAJF responded to her devotion to the community by promoting her to president of Iranian American Jewish Federation. Henceforth, President Javdan has led the organization and community through countless steppingstones to promote the longevity of the Iranian Jews in Los Angeles.

Comment on this page