Los Angeles Iranian Diaspora

Los Angeles is home to the largest Iranian community outside Iran. This diverse group includes Muslims, Jews, Christians, Zoroastrians and Bahai who have lived here harmoniously since the 1980s. However, the recent Israel-Iran conflict has tested these long-held bonds. Experts note that in the diaspora, shared cultural and social ties often outweigh religious divides. Iranian Jews, while united with Muslims in opposing Iran's regime, feel heightened anxiety over security in local houses of worship. Experts say Iranian Muslims, who would otherwise cheer on a regime change, might feel differently about an Israel-led war because of their antipathy toward Zionism.