Iranian Jewish Immigrant Community Likes McCain

Immigrant communities in the US, whether able to vote or not, have so far played a public role in this year's elections. Many, fed up with US foreign policy, are looking to the incoming president, whomever it may be, for change. One such community is the large Iranian-American Jewish community, the majority of whom live in California. A recent article and podcast, in the The Jewish Journal, focuses on the opinions of that community and their concerns with foreign policy.

The podcast, which can be found here, focuses on political participation from the community and their views on the two main candidates. An excerpt:

If you would've asked me this about 10 or 15 years ago, I would've said the involvement would be low to minimal to zero. Now, the community has brought itself out on all different levels, be it on the federal level with the national election, be it on the city level with our next mayoral election, be it on the city council level both here in Beverly Hills and the City of Los Angeles. On a national level, I see it going both ways – the Persian Jewish community likes McCain because of his obvious stance on national security, which is something that's very important to us. Some are very turned off by that and the fact that he says we might stay in Iraq for 100 years…there's definitely a cost and a loss of life component of that. But uh…some are also turned on by the fact that he wants to go invade Iran – there are a lot of people who still live here who have a lot of sentiment toward Iran, you know, I don't blame people….The younger generation, they go with Obama and the democratic party. It's not just about change but it's about something new. And uh, that Barack Obama brings to the table. I really see a divide among the generations.

Those interviewed in the podcast also discussed economics as it relates to political preference, as well as a bit of history surrounding Persian Jewish participation in politics.

The accompanying article makes further note of the generation gap in the Persian Jewish community, as well as why Persian Jews are unlikely to support Obama:

Iran is indeed an issue during the election this year and it is particularly important for local Iranian Jews because the majority of them have suffered at the hands of Iran’s regime during or after the 1979 revolution. Obama’s calls to negotiate with Iran’s current regime does not sit well with older Iranian American Jews because many had their assets confiscated by the regime or were terrorized by the regime. So they do not want to see the Iranian Ayatollahs rewarded by any American administration’s welcoming gestures that will legitimize their rule in Iran. Some of Obama’s foreign policy advisers are also former Carter administration advisers who older Iranian Jews and other Iranian Americans blame for helping to bring the current Islamic fundamentalist regime to power in Iran nearly 30 years ago.

Any errors in transcription are the author's own

5 comments

  • Benny Chua

    I like Sen. John McCain very much to be the President of USA. Lately, I have been constantly watching the viewpoints of both of the presidential candidates and have to accept the reality that Sen John McCain is no longer mentally and physically capable of the STRESS of correcting or finding the solutions to our messed up world.

    I hate it but, hearing his continuous soft spoken tone makes me feel he is abnormal. For some reasons, he may be physically sick or aged have caught up with him.

    lately, I felt sad when I saw Sen. John McCain actually was reading his prepared speeches on Barack Obama’s foreign trips. Unlike other presidentiables, they just glanced on their notes but, never read it.

    I think Sen John McCain’s mentally fatigue have caused him to say things that are not proper. He is no longer mentally sharp.

    I wish the Republicans have selected another candidate to go against Barack Obama.

    That’s my sad viewpoint that I have to live with.

    Benny Chua

  • ANYBODY-BUT-OBAMA

    WE NEED TO REPLACE ALL DEMS IN CONGRESS.

    OBAMA WAS “SELECTED” BY THE DNC AND BIASED MEDIA — HE WAS NOT “ELECTED” BY THE PEOPLE. Obama is a radical, anti-American — read his books!

    OBAMA CANCELS VISIT TO MILITARY HOSPITAL

    The Junior Senator Barack Hussein Obama scrapped plans to visit wounded members of the armed forces in Germany as part of his overseas trip.

    REASON #1 – Obama spokesman said the decision was made because the Democratic presidential candidate thought it would be inappropriate on a CAMPAIGN-FUNDED journey.

    REASON #2 – AFTER THE HOSPITAL CLEARED UP THE REASON #1 — TELLING OBAMA HE COULD NOT TAKE HIS CAMPAIGN STAFF AND MEDIA ENTOURAGE WITH HIM — AND SINCE HE COULD NOT MAKE IT A PHOTO-OP — BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA DECIDED NOT TO GO VISIT OUR WOUNDED TROOPS!

    HE CARES MORE ABOUT “CAMPAIGNING” THAN ABOUT OUR TROOPS WHO ARE SERVING OUR COUNTRY.

    OBAMA WILL DO ANYTHING TO WIN THE ELECTION — EVEN LOSE THE WAR! THIS MAN CANNOT BE TRUSTED!

    “Barack Obama is wrong. It is never inappropriate to visit our men and women in the military,” said Brian Rogers, a spokesman for the Republican contender.

    HE’LL SPEND MILLIONS TO TALK TO EUROPEANS — BUT HE WON’T LET US ASK HIM AND McCAIN QUESTIONS IN AN “AMERICAN” TOWN HALL MEETING???

    I’M VOTING FOR JOHN McCAIN IN 2008.

  • I have to agree. I am glad there are others paying attention.

  • Senator Obama and Senator McCain: Do you have a realistic expectation about Iranian Nuclear Fuel Cycle?

    We have wasted 30 years walking away from diplomacy in our interactions with Iran. Foreign policy of President Bush
    http://straveler-myamerica.blogspot.com/2008/06/foreign-policy-of-president-bush-and.html
    in regard to Iran had been to sabotage the basic premise of diplomacy by under cutting the actions of European Union foreign policy Chief Javier Solana.

    Now, we expect a miracle at par with our shock-and-Awa because Undersecretary of State William Burns has attended the Geneva meeting.

    What does Iran Want?
    http://straveler-myamerica.blogspot.com/2008/06/foreign-policy-of-president-bush-and.html

    Before drawing a red line with Iran, we must be clear about our own motivations and the expected outcomes.

    Anatol Lieven and Trita Parsi recent article: Drawing a red line with Iran
    http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/07/28/opinion/edlieven.php
    provides a realistic expectation for both USA and Iran.

    Let us stay cool and use diplomatic rules of engagement and talk with Iran.

  • Iranian-Americans generally miss their home (Iran). This fact has nothing to do with their religion.

    Migration of many nationalities into USA, some even from England, is not based on status of their home country. However, many came here searching for freedom (Bill of Rights) and educational opportunity. Iranian-Americans in USA are mostly well educated and progressive.

    I remember the soccer match between USA and Iranian teams during Clinton Administration. The Iranian-Americans were very excited and cheering the Iranian team. Iranian team won the match with a head shot.

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