On Sunday, March 22, Melbourne’s Jewish and Iranian communities came together for what was likely a world-first joint celebration of Nowruz. Pronounced “Norooz,” this 3,000 year-old tradition marks the Persian New Year and is one of the oldest continuously celebrated holidays in existence.

With nearly 600 attendees, the event was organised by Sharon Kuperholz and Omid Rokni and supported by an enthusiastic team of Jewish and Iranian volunteers. The event, organised in just 12 days was filled with music, dancing, conversation, and connection, capturing a spirit of unity, peace, friendship, and love. A truly uplifting event during a time of war, a symbolic celebration that was needed by all.

The atmosphere felt much like a wedding, minus the bride and groom, as strangers quickly became friends. Guests shared stories, laughter, and a rich spread of food from both cultures.

At its heart, Nowruz celebrates the arrival of spring, the renewal of nature, and the promise of new beginnings. This year, that message carried added significance, with many expressing hope for a free Iran, one where people are no longer oppressed by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The event’s main partner, the Australian Jewish Association (AJA), has consistently supported Iranian diaspora communities at rallies in both Melbourne and Sydney as well as made a submission to the Australian Parliament in 2022 in relation to serious human rights concerns following violent protest repression. The AJA recommended sanctioning the IRGC, reducing diplomatic engagement and reviewing education and institutional links with Iranian entities.

Opening the event, AJA CEO Robert Gregory spoke about Nowruz as a celebration of life, hope, and spring. He noted the proximity to the Jewish festival of Pesach (Passover), a holiday that commemorates the journey from slavery to freedom. He highlighted the deep historical ties between the two communities, recalling how, over 2,500 years ago, Cyrus the Great enabled the Jewish people to return to their homeland and rebuild their temple.

The event also welcomed several distinguished guests, including federal Liberal MP for Goldstein and Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson, State MP for Caulfield David Southwick, and Glen Eira Mayor Simone Zmood.

Tim Wilson emphasized the significance of the occasion, describing Nowruz as a time for renewal, peace, and hope for a brighter future. He spoke of a shared commitment to freedom, liberty, and self-determination, and voiced opposition to the IRGC and the Iranian regime.

A remembrance table displaying photos of young victims served as a poignant reminder of the urgent call for freedom in Iran and a better future for the next generation. It underscored the contrast between rights often taken for granted in Australia and those still being fought for by many Iranians.

Entertainment for the event included Israeli and Iranian music from singers, a DJ  along with a performance by an Iranian belly dancer. Guests danced together, waving each other’s flags in a vibrant display of cultural pride and solidarity, united in their hope for peace across the Middle East, from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem to Tehran. The energy on the dance floor was matched by an abundance of food, with guests enjoying a variety of Israeli and Iranian pastries, sweets, and other delicacies.

This year’s Nowruz demonstrated that even from afar, voices in Melbourne can resonate worldwide.

In his closing remarks, Robert Gregory drew a powerful parallel: “At the end of the first Seder night, Jews say ‘Next year in Jerusalem.’ Tonight, I say we look forward to celebrating Nowruz with you next year in a free Iran.”

In closing the event, Iranians stood tall and proud, hand on heart singing the former Iranian national anthem. They sang in unison with hope for a brighter new year. Javid Shah! Saleno Mobarak, Happy New Year.

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)