There’s no need to wring our hands that many non-Persians find certain schools and shuls “too Persian.” This is part of the human condition and we should have freedom of association so that if people don’t want to associate with Jews or Persians or blacks, they should not be forced to. We all prefer our own kind. We all choose to live, work, socialize and worship in a segregated way. Very few whites and asians live in neighborhoods with a 20% or higher mix of latinos and blacks. When we are forced to interact with people who are different from us, we find it tiring, annoying, and sometimes tragic. People are happier when they lead segregated lives and they are less happy with they are forced to mix with people who are different.
Non-Persians I’ve known who’ve married Persians have found it an extra strain. Most people find an inter-racial marriage an extra challenge.
Dr. Afshine Emrani writes in the Jewish Journal:
There is an open wound that is infecting all Jews in Los Angeles. While across the street UCLA students are battling rampant anti-Semitism, at many of our temples and schools, we are facing anti-Persian bigotry. “This school is way too Persian. I wouldn’t send my kids there.” Chances are, if you are not Persian you have whispered this.
With the growing and dominant Persian culture in Los Angeles, this week, Sinai Akiba Academy ran a bold ad in the back of The Jewish Journal entitled “”Too Persian.” Looks awful in print? It sounds worse in a whisper.” This ad is a product of some six months of deliberation and committee meetings made up of both Persian and Ashkenazi members to combat a growing prejudice. However, some Persians are upset over this ad. I wonder if those angry have not read past the title.
