Qesher Book Club: "The Loving Life: Memoirs of an Iranian-Jewish Woman"

Ilana  Ebrahimi-Kahen, author of "The Loving Life", presents an insightful  exploration of the impact of the 1979 Islamic Revolution on Iran's  Jewish minority, detailing how this upheaval challenged their community  and altered their lives. She investigates the experiences of female  journalists during this period, highlighting their resilience and  resistance amidst the sociopolitical turmoil.

Ilana also describes  the challenges of establishing a Jewish kindergarten under the Islamic  Republic's regulations, providing a unique perspective on maintaining  education and psychological well-being in a restrictive regime. She  recounts her journey from Iran to London, focusing on the cultural  adaptation process and the preservation of identity within the diaspora.

In  addition, Ilana discusses the significance of memoir writing in  documenting personal and historical experiences. The presentation  concludes with valuable lessons learned from Holocaust survivors,  emphasizing the importance of inter-generational communication in  preserving historical memory.

You can read more and order the book here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-loving-life-ilana-ebrahimi/1143780229

Ilana  Ebrahimi-Kahen is an accomplished author and former journalist with a  rich and diverse background. Born in Iran, she studied Persian  Literature at Tehran University and spent a decade working for one of  the country's leading newspapers. However, following the Islamic  Revolution in 1979, she was expelled from her position due to her Jewish  heritage.  Undeterred, Ilana pursued a diploma in Child Psychology and  successfully established the only Jewish kindergarten in Iran under the  new regime's regulations.

In 1993, Ilana relocated to London,  where she continued her education and dedicated 27 years to working with  a charity organization, collaborating with individuals from various  backgrounds.

Her memoir, The Loving Life, captures the  bittersweet memories of her life in Iran and the United Kingdom,  offering a poignant reflection on two contrasting socio-political  landscapes. Her work has been supported by renowned Persian writer Abbas  Marofi and has been celebrated in literary circles in both London and  California. Through her writing, Ilana aims to share her experiences and  the valuable lessons learned from her interactions with people of  diverse cultures and histories.