Friday, February 2nd • beginning at 5:30pm
Congregation Kol Ami
Join us for a Persian-style dinner beginning at 5:30pm, followed by our Erev Shabbat service at 6:30pm, and our lecture with Dr. Baktiari at 7:30pm. Dinner will be cooked by the Cohne-Khadjenourys, and they will serve Fesenjān—a Persian chicken and rice stew—along with traditional desserts. Please make sure to RSVP below for the dinner and/or lecture by Wednesday, January 31st.
Pricing for our Persian-style dinner
Members: $15 per adult, $10 per child ages 3–12
Guests: $20 per adult, $12 per child ages 3–12
Abdul Hossein Sardari was a top Iranian diplomat during World War II who is remembered as the “Iranian Schindler” for his brave efforts to save Jews from the Nazis. Sardari had been sent by Iran to the German embassy in Paris, and during his time there he provided thousands of Jews with official Iranian passports. These documents allowed many to escape the concentration camps or potential execution by providing them with a false identity and protected status. It’s estimated that through his bravery and creativity, Sardari was able to save hundreds of Jews from the horrors of Nazism and persecution. His legacy lives on as an example of humanity and heroism in the face of unthinkable cruelty.
The story of Abdul Hosssein Sardari is not only a source of pride for Iranians but is also an inspiration for all those who believe in justice, compassion, and courage. As the world witnessed the horrors of the Holocaust, Sardari’s deeds show that one person can make a difference, and every act of kindness counts. Iranians around the world, particularly those in Israel, have a unique connection with this history. His legacy lives on as an example of humanity and heroism in the face of unthinkable cruelty.
Dr. Bahman Baktiari is the Executive Director of the Baskerville Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering understanding and respect between Americans and Iranians.
He received his PhD in International Law and Government from the University of Virginia. Dr. Baktiari has published extensively on Iranian culture and politics, including the books "Parliamentary Politics in Revolutionary Iran: Institutionalization of Factional Politics" and "Iran: Shari`a Politics and the Transformation of Islamic Law" in Bob Hefner's Shari'a Politics: Islamic Law and Society in the Modern World, co-authored with Asef Bayat, among dozens of other publications. He has also held academic and administrative positions at American University in Washington, DC, the University of Maine, American University in Cairo (AUC), and the University of Utah.
In addition to his work on Iranian culture and politics, Dr. Baktiari has also researched and written about the development of diverse civil society institutions in Iran, from education and sports to film, music, and art. He has even advised on "wrestling diplomacy" and helped organize wrestling events between the United States and Iran, demonstrating his commitment to promoting understanding and respect between the two nations.
Dr. Baktiari is a respected scholar with a deep understanding of Iranian culture and politics. He is also a passionate advocate for peace and understanding between the United States and Iran.
Mon, September 9 2024
6 Elul 5784
