Dr. Sharona Nazarian, who fled Iran with her mother and younger brother following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, has become the first Iranian-born Jewish woman to serve as mayor of a U.S. city.
Earlier this month, Nazarian was sworn in as mayor of Beverly Hills, California, in a ceremony where she emphasized support for Israel and condemned the silence of women’s organizations following the atrocities of October 7.
“This is a humbling moment. I don't take it for granted,” she said during the ceremony. In an interview with Ynet, Nazarian added, “I’m proud to serve as a voice for our community, especially in these difficult times. From the moment I was elected to the city council, I made it a priority to stand with Israel.”
Shortly after Hamas’s October 7 terror attack, Nazarian led the Beverly Hills City Council in passing a unanimous resolution supporting Israel and its right to defend itself. “It was the first declaration of its kind in the U.S. We were clear in our condemnation of Hamas and unwavering in our support for our strongest ally — Israel,” she said.
Nazarian, a clinical psychologist by training, previously served as vice president of Friends of Israel Disabled Veterans (FIDV) before joining the Beverly Hills City Council. The mayoral role rotates annually among the five council members, who each serve four-year terms.
While Jimmy Delshad, also of Iranian-Jewish descent, previously served as mayor in 2007 and 2010, Nazarian is the first woman from this community to hold the position anywhere in the U.S.
Nazarian lived in Israel briefly after fleeing Iran and later moved to the U.S., where her father — who had studied in the country as a young man — joined the family. “Israel was our safe haven,” she said.
Asked why her family ultimately left Israel for the U.S., she explained, “My dad was educated in the United States when he was 17... he used an English-Farsi dictionary to translate each word and learn the language. When he joined us in Israel, he didn’t speak the language. We had to start over again for the third time — it was very difficult. So we had him enroll and start in America.”
Though she later settled in the U.S., Nazarian returns to Israel annually with her husband and three sons. “We used to go every year, and it's going to be quite a busy year, but I'm hoping I’m able to come in person and show my solidarity to our brothers and sisters in Israel,” she said. “I used to know Hebrew, but didn’t have much opportunity to speak — I can read and write a little, and understand some.”
Continued support for Israel
Since October 7, Nazarian has ensured Beverly Hills demonstrates visible and vocal support for Israel. The city projected the message “Bring them home now!” along with a yellow ribbon symbolizing the hostages on city hall, collaborated with the Israeli consulate to display 1,500 flags representing victims from 30 nations, and hosted forums, Shabbat tables with empty chairs, and rallies to raise awareness about the hostages.
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“I’ve spoken at every rally and used every opportunity to condemn Hamas and support Israel,” she said. “There’s so much divide in the world right now and people don’t understand the role Israel plays in the lives of so many.
"If it wasn't for the state of Israel, I would not be here today. My family is so grateful — whether they experienced the Holocaust, exile from their homeland, or basic hatred, our community understands the importance of standing together in solidarity.”
Beverly Hills, she added, has also held major events like the Combat Antisemitism Conference. “We brought in over 200 mayors from across the nation and Canada to Beverly Hills,” she said, referring to the gathering hosted by former Mayor Julian Gold in 2023.
Beverly Hills, though within Los Angeles County, operates independently with its own taxes, police and fire services. Its borders with Los Angeles are strikingly visible: better-maintained roads, cleaner streets and faster police response times.
“We have nearly 3,000 surveillance cameras monitored 24/7,” Nazarian said. “That’s how we protect our houses of worship and ensure community safety. If someone’s thinking of committing a crime here, they should think twice.”
During her term, Nazarian plans to focus on combating antisemitism and discrimination, expanding access to mental health services, supporting local businesses, and promoting women’s empowerment and international relations.
“We’re going to be working on business outreach, mental health, human rights and female empowerment. I also hope to reactivate our international relations and marketing,” she said, noting her past role as co-president of Beverly Hills' sister city programs. “We signed a declaration with Herzliya to be one of our sister cities, and I hope to bring back celebrations, film festivals, symposiums, tourism — various forms of collaboration.”
Speaking at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Nazarian shared her personal journey. “I’m an immigrant. English is my third language. I came to this great nation fleeing religious persecution. No one spoke for me and it wasn’t easy — but I refused to live with a victim mentality,” she said. “I believe in hard work and dedication and I promise to work hard for you.”
“I left Iran due to religious persecution during the 1979 Revolution,” she added in an interview. “It helps you understand what it means to flee for safety.”
She called for justice, peace, tolerance and the fight against antisemitism to guide her administration. “It’s important for us to continue to serve as a voice against discrimination and antisemitism,” she said.
Outraged by silence
Nazarian also expressed deep disappointment over women’s organizations that remained silent after reports of rape and abuse by Hamas terrorists on October 7. “We witnessed one of the most tragic massacres of Jews since the Holocaust,” she said. “And we saw that women were used — that angered me beyond belief. Women should never be victimized, whether it’s women from the Zan Zendegi Azadi movement or what happened to women in Israel.”
“We were appalled to see women’s organizations stay silent,” she continued. “They say they stand for women’s rights, but where were they? I want to share with women: stay courageous, strong, be kind, and lead with strength — but also with your heart. That’s what makes women impactful. We need more strong, courageous women leaders who get involved, run for office and bring people together.”
One of Nazarian’s plans as mayor is to establish a permanent memorial for the victims of the October 7 attack, facing the city’s existing 9/11 memorial near the fire station and public library. “We have a very beautiful September 11 memorial across from our library.
Nazarian’s husband, three sons, and father attended her swearing-in. Her mother passed away 20 years ago at the age of 52. “She didn’t live to see me become mayor but she’s always with me,” Nazarian said. “She was a strong Jewish mother who believed I could do anything. She was selfless, supportive of all of us, and I hope to follow in her footsteps.”
Nazarian added that her family continues to celebrate Shabbat weekly. “I cook, my in-laws come over, my father joins, and my kids come if they’re in town. That’s something I learned from her.”
Reflecting on her achievement, Nazarian said: “For my dad, it was a very proud moment. Where else can an immigrant accomplish so much? This is a humbling moment for me and my family. I don’t take it lightly — I’m honored to serve this beautiful country and community and to work with great leaders to build a safer, stronger, more united Beverly Hills.”
She concluded with a message for the Jewish community in the U.S. and Israel: “For us, Passover is a time of renewal and family. I wish everyone a happy holiday and a year of peace and blessings.”