Community celebration in Beverly Hills focusing on unity and diversity.
In a historic event, Sharona Nazarian has been inaugurated as the first Jewish-Iranian female mayor of Beverly Hills. Her speech highlighted her immigrant background and commitment to community issues, including a new initiative to combat antisemitism. Nazarian aims to enhance public safety, support local businesses, and foster unity in Beverly Hills while establishing a permanent memorial for the victims of the October 7 attacks. This milestone reflects the city’s diverse representation and commitment to social justice.
Nazarian, who previously served on the Beverly Hills City Council and works as a clinical psychologist, expressed profound gratitude for her immigrant background during her inaugural speech. She recounted her journey to the United States, highlighting her upbringing in Iran and the challenges she faced, including the struggle with language—English being her third language. Her commitment to community issues stems not only from personal experience but also from her dedication to social justice, peace, and tolerance in the face of adversity.
As part of her agenda, Nazarian unveiled an initiative titled “Never Again is Now,” which aims to combat antisemitism and promote human rights within the community. In her role as mayor, she outlined a vision focused on enhancing public safety and unity throughout Beverly Hills, a city known for its low crime rates, which is supported by extensive surveillance with approximately 3,000 cameras monitoring the area 24/7.
Nazarian’s tenure will last for one year, after which another city council member will assume the role. The council members themselves are elected for four-year terms. Upon succeeding former mayor Jimmy Delshad, who held the position in 2007 and 2010, Nazarian made it clear that fostering a safer and more inclusive community would be her top priorities.
In addition to reassuring residents of their safety, Nazarian plans to extend support to local businesses and enhance access to mental health services. She aims to empower women and strengthen the sister-city relationship between Beverly Hills and Herzliya, Israel, through cultural events and exchanges.
The mayor also addressed significant recent events, including a resolution condemning Hamas that was passed shortly after the October 7 massacre. This move marked a historic first in the U.S. regarding support for Israel’s right to defend itself. Nazarian has organized initiatives to support the community, including a symbolic display at City Hall reading “Bring Them Home Now!” in response to a hostage crisis that ensued after the conflict.
Alongside public safety, she expressed her intention to establish a permanent memorial for the victims of the October 7 attacks, which will be positioned adjacent to the city’s 9/11 memorial.
Nazarian’s inauguration ceremony enjoyed attendance from numerous public officials, community leaders, friends, and family, including her husband and three sons. The emotional event was marked by performances from local choirs and large community turnout, although some guests were turned away due to venue capacity constraints.
Planning for her tenure, Nazarian announced a series of town hall meetings titled “Straight Talk with Sharona,” intending to foster open dialogue and ensure fiscal responsibility while addressing social justice and community collaboration needs. She also took a moment to honor the memory of her late mother, who passed away two decades ago, reflecting on her mother’s unwavering support throughout her life.
As Beverly Hills embraces its first Jewish-Iranian mayor, the community anticipates her approach to leadership, which promises a commitment to safety, inclusion, and civic engagement. Through her initiatives and outreach, Nazarian aims to build a vibrant and resilient city that holds true to its values of compassion and diversity.
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