Growing Up As An Iranian-American [Becoming Iranian-American, Pt. 3] | AJ+

Iranian-American AJ+ Producer Yara Elmjouie takes us to meet his parents and reflects on his own experience growing up as a second-generation Iranian-American.
Want more? Check out this similar video from AJ+: Part 1: • Why Are There So Many ...
Subscribe for more videos:
/ @ajplus
Watch Part 2: • Being Iranian In LA.: ...
Music tracks courtesy of APM, Audio Networks and West One Music.
Footage and images courtesy of Getty, AP, Reuters and “Best in the West” by Maryam Kashani.
Archival footage courtesy of Mahnaz Tankamani, Amir Elmjouie, Yara Elmjouie.
Like us on Facebook: / ajplusenglish
Download the AJ+ app at www.ajplus.net/
Follow us on Twitter: / ajplus

[@benb405]

"This is our identity. We are two arms. You want me to cut one? We can't." I wept.

[@jwalkin5123]

Ben Ballard , and both arms are attached to one body, the body of all humans on earth. We all belong to one body, humanity.

[@samos4924]

His dad is the absolute sweetest.

[@lorenab5309]

I know the feeling

[@gordiasgordian925]

I liked the metaphor and believe it is true.

[@RafaelArandas]

I'm not white, and even *I* WAS ALMOST CRYING

[@ByBy001]

When your dad cried, I cried too.

[@mbm_23sep]

i think trump should see that part. i cried too

[@Witharmita]

I cried my eyelashes off

[@RafaelArandas]

The Persians are a noble people, they have a goodness to them which will transform their world and ours...one day.

[@uniqueLeo08]

i'm doing this now

[@shahrzadyekta5147]

Me too.

[@Sam-fe3pr]

The dad’s crying 😢. You can tell he has a sweet soul.

[@amoomemat9311]

Samantha Iranian old generation are angels, most of them

[@Schar.ar.youtube]

i was about like ur comment that u noticed u are so pretty :*

[@sonnyradcliffe8365]

Please be Iranian voice and support protest for women rights in iran, 22 year old girl #mahsaamini murdered by MUSLIMS ( Islamic Republic ) and "morality police" because of compulsory hijab, we want your help to destroy these corrupt government, we are not "Muslim" and we want our FREEDOM back, we don't expect "mullahs". Please share, post, and story to help us🙏🙏❤ #no_to_islamicrepublic #mahsa_amini #freedom #secularism #dont_be_silent #stop_islam

[@sonnyradcliffe8365]

@@amoomemat9311 Please be Iranian voice and support protest for women rights in iran, 22 year old girl #mahsaamini murdered by MUSLIMS ( Islamic Republic ) and "morality police" because of compulsory hijab, we want your help to destroy these corrupt government, we are not "Muslim" and we want our FREEDOM back, we don't expect "mullahs". Please share, post, and story to help us🙏🙏❤ #no_to_islamicrepublic #mahsa_amini #freedom #secularism #dont_be_silent #stop_islam

[@SaroDogTraining]

Hi Yara. I am an Armenian-Iranian-Canadian. Talk about identity crises! I left Iran after the war started at the age of 15. Your documentary made me think bout my life and reflect on it. I would love to go back to Iran and visit someday. But, just like your mom, here(Canada) is my home now. Thank you for sharing your story. Love your dad and mom. Salam bere-soon. Chakeram.

[@iran-persiapatriot9421]

Saro Boghozian I hope you Come to Iran I'm from Shiraz sry my English is bad

[@SaroDogTraining]

Hatman. I would someday. When I was a child, I traveled to Isfahan and Arak but not Shiraz. There are so many places to visit in Iran.

[@saeedvazirian]

You're either Iranian or you are not. There is no identity crisis.

[@wininspn]

He's probably ethnically Armenian from Iran. There are long-established Armenian communities in Iran.

[@arzhangemamifar7702]

Saro Dog Training hi , do you know Gegard Musasi? the UFC fighter.

[@nimazarandi7042]

Dear Yara, I am a medical student here in US. I came from Iran two years ago when I was 27 with my wife. Having single entry visa, during the past two years both of us have lost our grandmas and we could not even go to the funerals. When I was watching your videos, tears come to my eyes and fall on my iPad, especially when you showed videos of your Iran trip and how families and friends get together full of love and joy. I really like your videos and how you are moving forward with them, please continue. BTW, loved the Tahchin, big fan!

[@steflondon88]

I pray you find healing and peace in God.

[@raymond3380]

شما از زرند کرمانی؟

[@DamienHensonTech]

Salam, my mom had a similar situation when she was young. Her father and brother died and she couldn’t go back to Iran. You’re not alone. Stay strong 🇺🇸 🇮🇷

[@sonnyradcliffe8365]

Please be Iranian voice and support protest for women rights in iran, 22 year old girl #mahsaamini murdered by MUSLIMS ( Islamic Republic ) and "morality police" because of compulsory hijab, we want your help to destroy these corrupt government, we are not "Muslim" and we want our FREEDOM back, we don't expect "mullahs". Please share, post, and story to help us🙏🙏❤ #no_to_islamicrepublic #mahsa_amini #freedom #secularism #dont_be_silent #stop_islam

[@bethanybouley6679]

Yara, I cannot say how much your series has touched my heart, as an american who grew up with no contact to anyone from the middle east at all I admit that after 9/11 i shared the fear of many, and tragically all middle eastern people and muslim's were blanketed as "terrorists". Thankfully i know better than that now and my eyes have been opened in so many ways, i see how dangerous fear becomes, how toxic, it leads to ignorance and causes catastrophic damage to EVERYONE. And now i have fallen in love with one Iranian man, and his beautiful family, incredible culture, and therefore all Persians/Iranians have a very special place in my heart, and i speak openly and untiringly to my fellow Americans to try and help break the barriers that really have no substance at all in the first place! As the man said "we iranian's are not our government". I pray for all prejudice to end and for a world without borders, no matter how hopeless this may seem, we must never give up. My thoughts and prayers are with all Iranian's every day, right now it is scary

[@miladvaziri3]

thank you for all of your support and love and good feelings, as a iranian appreciate you and wish have very good life with your husband

[@alishalchi1260]

As a millennial Iraqi American, I have grown up in the similar exact situation. Growing up with Arabic speaking parents, people looking at me different in school (fuzz moustache) being called terrorist after 9/11 and hating my name. I don't mind it now and embrace my culture. Thanks Yara for showing me we aren't alone.

[@alishalchi1260]

Mesopotamian Kurd let me guess... You are gonna call me a pig because Iraqi Kurds don't have a country. Not my fault pal.

[@alir919]

Dont listen to Mesopotamian Kurd. When they go low. You go high. you are better then him.

[@nooraskrive]

I totally understand, I’m Iranian and Iraqi and it was very complicated balancing both cultures growing up in America. I was born in Baghdad and now have an American citizenship but even though I have a citizenship I’m still treated like a foreigner. I used to hate being Middle Eastern when I was little but now I’ve learned to love where I come from which is two very beautiful cultures, the sad thing is there are some Iraqis that shame me for also being Iranian but I know that it doesn’t represent all Iraqi people. 🇮🇷❤️🇮🇶

[@saeedvazirian]

Why would you call yourself an american after what the US did to your country? Let me guess. Lots of denial and desperate feel-good factors?

[@MichiganUSASingaporeSEAsia]

Ali Shalchi in Michigan?

[@aaronsaenz9638]

As a Mexican-American or“Chicano” I’ve felt the same exact way that Yari has felt not being American enough or Mexican enough. I’m proud to be an American and also to celebrate and cherish my Mexican cultural identity. May the Iranians and other groups that come be welcomed and celebrated.

[@sk36271]

I cried a little when your dad started to cry, because at the end of the day we immigrants are on the same boot, even though we're from different countries. My dad left Algeria for France as an 18-year-old. Then, in 1986, he moved my entire family to Belgium, where I was born. My dad has spent more of his life in France and Belgium then he has in Algeria. It automatically became home, and Algeria is a souvenir that is getting further and further away from him and definitely from me as I never visited.

[@IvanTravels]

I love this series, and I’m not even Persian ❤️

[@ysh4563]

Ivan Travels props to you man😉

[@zxcmvbn]

Ivan Travels It’s okay, I declare you an honorary Persian! Lol

[@MH-up1xe]

i'm not a cat either.

[@psxbr60]

Rick Footson 😂

[@thesoundofthesuburbs]

I'm not Persian either, although according to AncestryDNA I am... Idk why I am even watching this.

[@E_99LDN]

I appreciate this video so much Yara, honestly as a British born Iranian this is exactly how I feel. An Iranian among the British and a British among Iranians, its the worst living paradox and to know I’m not the only foreign born Iranian that feels like this makes me feel 1000000x times better. Yara damet garm!

[@enkay.1209]

The last scene with his father was so poignant and beautiful.

[@sonnyradcliffe8365]

Please be Iranian voice and support protest for women rights in iran, 22 year old girl #mahsaamini murdered by MUSLIMS ( Islamic Republic ) and "morality police" because of compulsory hijab, we want your help to destroy these corrupt government, we are not "Muslim" and we want our FREEDOM back, we don't expect "mullahs". Please share, post, and story to help us🙏🙏❤ #no_to_islamicrepublic #mahsa_amini #freedom #secularism #dont_be_silent #stop_islam

[@hyedefinition1080]

As an Indian American who went back to India and studied there for 6 years I can relate to your story. Also, please give your dad a hug from all of us, he is such a beautiful man!

[@luckybhakil]

I'm an Indian American who went back to study in India for 6 years too! This is spookily similar

[@SatishKumar-rc4pl]

Get out from America

[@nbkw2ae]

As a Mexican American, I related so much to this. As Ive gotten older I’ve connected more with my Mexican culture than when I was young

[@tree3y763]

Dino Tinajero well Mexico is literally right down the corner you can go back and forth as much as you want it’s different for Iranians.

[@igweogba6774]

When you finally realize you are not one of them

[@LifeOfTheParty323]

Same. I remember growing up hating Spanish music. These days, i welcome it.

[@diegocanullopez4299]

Yøsh K true, it’s only a 3 hour flight from Florida where I live to my hometown in Mexico

[@danialparviz4036]

Yøsh K i legit Been to iran 7 times now even as a american born iranian its not that hard since my family pays the 1,000 dollars, but im just gonna say, the los angles iranian part is way wrong, i’ve lived in tehran for couple of months and its been way different than tehrengeles, i think that the roads are more dirty, different stores, different types of people (different attitudes)

[@VegHui]

love how personal you got with your life story!!

[@manliomartinezbarona5627]

I went to visit Iran like ten years ago, I travelled many place there, since that trip I became a fierce defender of Iranians, they are marvellous people. My best wishes to iranians from México

[@nininizzlebaby2333]

🇮🇷❤️🇲🇽

[@sonnyradcliffe8365]

Please be Iranian voice and support protest for women rights in iran, 22 year old girl #mahsaamini murdered by MUSLIMS ( Islamic Republic ) and "morality police" because of compulsory hijab, we want your help to destroy these corrupt government, we are not "Muslim" and we want our FREEDOM back, we don't expect "mullahs". Please share, post, and story to help us🙏🙏❤ #no_to_islamicrepublic #mahsa_amini #freedom #secularism #dont_be_silent #stop_islam

[@sumayah8823]

Beautiful documentary Yara, a very interesting and well made series. As someone who speaks Persian (despite not being Iranian or from a Farsi speaking household lol) this was very intriguing to watch. Dastetun dard nakone :)

[@sonnyradcliffe8365]

Please be Iranian voice and support protest for women rights in iran, 22 year old girl #mahsaamini murdered by MUSLIMS ( Islamic Republic ) and "morality police" because of compulsory hijab, we want your help to destroy these corrupt government, we are not "Muslim" and we want our FREEDOM back, we don't expect "mullahs". Please share, post, and story to help us🙏🙏❤ #no_to_islamicrepublic #mahsa_amini #freedom #secularism #dont_be_silent #stop_islam

[@agostocobain2729]

How’d you learn? That’s really interesting to me. Please tell me

[@miladmzz]

I left Iran 10 years ago when I was 17 and I have been hopping from one country to another ever since, I can call none of them my home! And the Iranian inside me is never going to wear off !

[@miladmzz]

not very much compared to what ahmadinejad did to Iran

[@gwoptalk1268]

babash rafte ba yeki ke irani nist ezdevaj karde🙄

[@lynnegulbrand4052]

Your father made me cry. I don't know how I would feel in his situation especially being torn between 2 countries that he loves. I love the Iranian people and culture. The Iranian men that came here to Mississippi in the 1970s were a great bunch of guys. They were in the military and studied at the AF base here. They loved to cook and make friends with the people here. My mother opened her home to them and they were very respectful to us. We had many parties at our house. I miss those days. Thank you for making these videos and making me remember the good times with so many great people.

[@mandyjamali2224]

I had a different experience, being a millennial Iranian Canadian myself. I was born in Rafsanjan, Iran and immigrated to Canada with my family in 1997, where I was raised and attended school. Growing up, I had a lot of internalized shame that I felt about my culture and heritage and wanted nothing more than to run away from it. I was determined to be fluent in English and forget about my Iranian heritage. It wasn’t until fall of 2016 when I learned about the ancient history of Iran and how it used to be the Persian Empire thousand of years ago. It really opened my eyes and made me see my home country in a different light. Now, as a 32 year old, I love, appreciate and fully embrace my Iranian identity. I look forward to Iranian holidays like Eide Nowruz and Chaharshanbe Suri every year, and I even started practicing how to speak Farsi more fluently (I can sort of speak, understand, read and and write it, but not as well as I should) so that I can communicate with my extended family more. This was such a great series, Yara! ❤️ Great job! ☺️

[@arshisot6306]

I love this series so much! You and your family are so beautiful, you look so much like your dad. Thank you for showcasing your beautiful culture, the Iranian-American experience, and your personal life as well :).

[@sonnyradcliffe8365]

Please be Iranian voice and support protest for women rights in iran, 22 year old girl #mahsaamini murdered by MUSLIMS ( Islamic Republic ) and "morality police" because of compulsory hijab, we want your help to destroy these corrupt government, we are not "Muslim" and we want our FREEDOM back, we don't expect "mullahs". Please share, post, and story to help us🙏🙏❤ #no_to_islamicrepublic #mahsa_amini #freedom #secularism #dont_be_silent #stop_islam

[@brucewayne7422]

This series resonates so much with me being an immigrant - Kenyan 🇰🇪 who came to the US as student like your parents and now 25 years later straddling both worlds of being a dual citizen 🇰🇪🇺🇸. Growing up in Kenya, I was lucky enough to learn the history of Iran 🇮🇷 and other countries under more objective circumstances than the Western media was projecting at the time. Thank you so much for introducing us to the rich culture, history, struggle and joys of Iranian Americans 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@ninaghodsi]

As an iranian raised in Spain, going through a cultural identity crisis in my adulthood, man... I cried like a baby. We need more platforms to discuss this unique way of approaching migration and culture for iranians. This was truly awesome!

[@sonnyradcliffe8365]

Please be Iranian voice and support protest for women rights in iran, 22 year old girl #mahsaamini murdered by MUSLIMS ( Islamic Republic ) and "morality police" because of compulsory hijab, we want your help to destroy these corrupt government, we are not "Muslim" and we want our FREEDOM back, we don't expect "mullahs". Please share, post, and story to help us🙏🙏❤ #no_to_islamicrepublic #mahsa_amini #freedom #secularism #dont_be_silent #stop_islam

[@Theuser2022]

Why am I crying with your dad? :( this video was so emotional for me

[@mshambay]

I identified so much your story, especially as my parents also thought we would go back to Iran when we first came to America. After Khomeini died in 1989 and the mullahs stayed in power, we realized that there was no home to go back to anymore and we had to shift to making America our home. Thank you for sharing!

[@saeedvazirian]

They're not mullahs. They're Imams.

[@saeedvazirian]

Iran is a very livable and beautiful country. No home? pft!

[@jwalkin5123]

Iranians are great people.

[@outlawtv6490]

korosh mohebalian do you still like America, because America likes Iran it’s sad to see them fight

[@mohamedali21546]

the end was extermly hard to watch i too have to live with more than one identities i lived 10 years in iraq and 6 years in cyprus 6 years and still in germany and i feel divided i dont know where home is anymore all iraqi people tell me i dont speak or act iraqi and i for sure do not feel like a cypriot or german so i understand how you feel in a way

[@if6436]

Mohammed Ali Cyprus? North or South?

[@mohamedali21546]

I F south the greek part

[@ArianTheDon88]

we are humans :), much love brother you are not alone, ever!

[@kourosha2869]

LONG LIVE IRAN

[@BITAsKITCHEN]

One of my most favorite videos out there, telling our immigrant journey as Iranian-Americans! Thank you Yara and family!

[@sonnyradcliffe8365]

Please be Iranian voice and support protest for women rights in iran, 22 year old girl #mahsaamini murdered by MUSLIMS ( Islamic Republic ) and "morality police" because of compulsory hijab, we want your help to destroy these corrupt government, we are not "Muslim" and we want our FREEDOM back, we don't expect "mullahs". Please share, post, and story to help us🙏🙏❤ #no_to_islamicrepublic #mahsa_amini #freedom #secularism #dont_be_silent #stop_islam

[@ramins3877]

Man this was incredible. Thank you for sharing! Growing up Canadian-Iranian, this hit home 100%.

[@amitshah3586]

I’m a first American born Indian (South Asia) on my dads side of the family I’m second generation American born Indian on my mom side of the family, since she was actual born in Ethiopia and Indian. Just like you I’ve had the same kind of experience (minus the living back in the motherland) for me this what I define which is which India is my motherland - that’s where my ancestors , culture, heritage, traditions, and second languages I can speak come from America is my homeland - here is where I was born, grew up, and went to school. For me when people say where home is I tell them Chicago my home, and I have certain traditions and culture here and language as well. Both have two different places in my life

[@Whimswirl]

Amit Shah how can your mum be born in both Ethiopia and India? Lol

[@pinkyfinger9851]

@@Whimswirl he said has indian origin but was born in ethiopia

[@ms.soul75]

Your mother is sooo beautiful!

[@jiro4226]

Keep these episodes coming

[@elhambanaie6132]

These videos are amazing and show accurately the amount of diversity in California regarding Iranian-Americans. As an Iranian-American myself who was born in Iran and raised in California, I understand many of the feelings you have felt and that others have felt as well. I love visiting Iran and seeing my family there, but America has now become my home. My parents feel the same way your parents feel and this video was so emotional and accurate. Thank you for bringing these stories to the eyes of others.

[@anagraciela9191]

Your mom is stunning and I was in tears with you and your dad by the end. Thank you so much for sharing your story.

[@sobikale1588]

You’re the best and tanks for sharing our culture, hamin 🙏🏻

[@christianpaulintia1699]

I cried. Thank you for this beautiful story. It filled my heart.

[@freedomchance9982]

I love this. This is my first time watching your videos and I just watched each of the first 3. I am AFrican American and I have just started to research my background with Ancestry DNA. Much love to you and your family and thank you for this beautiful and amazing content.

[@sonnyradcliffe8365]

Please be Iranian voice and support protest for women rights in iran, 22 year old girl #mahsaamini murdered by MUSLIMS ( Islamic Republic ) and "morality police" because of compulsory hijab, we want your help to destroy these corrupt government, we are not "Muslim" and we want our FREEDOM back, we don't expect "mullahs". Please share, post, and story to help us🙏🙏❤ #no_to_islamicrepublic #mahsa_amini #freedom #secularism #dont_be_silent #stop_islam

[@jordankhajavipour4764]

This video series brilliantly reflects my experience growing up as an Iranian-American in Orange County. A fantastic mix cultural awareness, historical context, emotion depiction, and authentic experiences that has widely been untold until now. It was easy and self-affirming to embrace this realistic representation that taps into the nuances of lived experiences for young Iranian-Americans.

[@UKLeonie]

My parents came from the Caribbean to the UK both under 8yrs. I identify as Black British Caribbean or African British Caribbean, I love all parts of my upbringing and the chaos too. When your dad cried I cried too. 2yrs you made this series,but still so impactful.

[@RafaelArandas]

It was honestly a very well-made and moving video. Thank you, sir. I wonder whether the Persians in America interact much with the Jews here. Both are such ancient cultures....

[@nininizzlebaby2333]

LA has the biggest population of Persian Jews, so yes. ❤️

[@myartinjon]

Wherever in this world, if you stay for a period of time learn and speak the local language, you're hooked for life, that's the best human attribute.

[@yartecta5055]

i'm half Persian half African American ... i know that's odd but i live in new york and i've been to Tehrangeles for like hundred times and everybody was looking at me and asking themselves : is he gonna shoplift or something ? cause what a black dude wants in a Persian store ? i have three identities i have to cut both of my arms to be known as a fellow AMERICAN and the part that you visited your family in Iran kinna brought me to tears cause i really miss them so much .

[@yartecta5055]

my own persian family in Tehran i haven't meet them yet .

[@alir919]

Yar Tecta: I hope you will one day bro.. possibly whole family could take trip!

[@psxbr60]

Wow, that’s a cool mix

[@Aquarian231990]

WOW that's so cool, I'm speaking to Persian guy now and we're looking to date, I'm Haitian and Dominican so I would love to see where a future with this guy can go and someday marriage and children... you're mix gives me hope... God Bless!!!

[@payamabbasi3555]

I think it's so awesome that you're part Iranian and part African American. Black guys are so cool

[@jayonez137]

Great story! Thank you!!!! I was born in the US to Italian parents. I grew up with the best of both worlds. I can identify with so much of your life story. God bless

[@alanhoggan7232]

Got me right in the feels when your dad started crying, god bless. I'm Scottish and sometimes have an identity crisis because we are also British. Some people are unionists some nationalists and it can get annoying. Have a good day :)

[@vichands3743]

Aww, My heart goes out to your dad and may God bless him and bless your family

[@sonnyradcliffe8365]

Please be Iranian voice and support protest for women rights in iran, 22 year old girl #mahsaamini murdered by MUSLIMS ( Islamic Republic ) and "morality police" because of compulsory hijab, we want your help to destroy these corrupt government, we are not "Muslim" and we want our FREEDOM back, we don't expect "mullahs". Please share, post, and story to help us🙏🙏❤ #no_to_islamicrepublic #mahsa_amini #freedom #secularism #dont_be_silent #stop_islam

[@johndoe-wv3nu]

Yours is a common story. I grew up in the 70's/80's in an area that had a high influx of Portuguese immigrants. The parents struggled with the language and culture. They worked hard, followed the laws and built lives. The parents planned to return. None did though. Their lives are here. Their Americans. Even though I called them "greenhorns", now that I don't live in that area of the country any longer, I miss the Portuguese foods and bakeries, the festival's. I'm still friends with some "greenhorns" and their children are no culturally different from mine.

[@jeffmorse645]

I grew up near Gustine, California which has a large Portuguese population (and a famous "Festa" every year). I can't imagine living in the San Joaquin Valley without my Portuguese neighbors and friends.... and my part Portuguese cousins. "Okies" and Portuguese in this area had a lot in common.

[@ellizamanian4164]

Your mom is so beautiful and your dad is soooooo real. Love it. His cry made me cry. Beautiful fam. Love from Toronto. ❤

[@diamasanchez]

I love that your dad married out his nationality. I hope and pray one day I married a Iranian , why because that's just what I like. I love this!!!!!

[@abett6003]

Elevation Church is garbage : / you should get yourself into a real church..those guys are false prophets and liars..Watch this video and see what really salvation is >> kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGSammuPf81ohas

[@rafft.2857]

As an Iranian/Italian/Canadian I’m always asked what I relate to the most. It’s so hard to answer bc all are inextricably part of me. I loved this series and this video in particular - the end made me bawl! 😭❤️❤️

[@palsshin]

when your father cried, my eyes teared, very nice job

[@etienneedward4449]

Thank you for making this series, I watched all four of them and my favorite one is your family ! I would love to cook with your Mom and get to eat the food and talk with your dad his heart is in all the right places ! I just simply love your family! Thanks again you did a great job on this ! Best wishes to you always !

[@miriamz4451]

I realize that your mother's statement at the end was meant to be a joyful one, saying that America is home now, but somehow there is something sad about it as well; a resignation, that this is simply the path her life took. I grew up as a German-Moroccan in the United States, and see this sentiment echoed so much in many of my parent's friends as they've grown older. There is something so all-consuming about American culture, that it becomes more and more dificult to call anything else home. I moved back it Germany 5 years ago, and have to say that for me it was the right choice. Of course I will never have a simple answer when it comes to identity, but for me personally, this is more home than the US ever was. I don't want to say that this should be what anyone else chooses, and of course, situations are very different. I just wish that more people realized that they do have that choice.

[@Ryan-qr8yl]

Very nice insight, what do you think made Germany more of a home for you than america?

[@leeraewi]

Thanks for sharing. My parents spent some time in Iran in the early 1970s, so it has always been a bit a part of my family's story even though we're all Canadian. I think that it was particularly impactful as they were so young and sheltered when they moved there that it really opened their eyes and changed their world view. I'm really grateful that they had that experience, as their stories gave me a critical perspective on nationalism and identity from a young age. My brother and I have a very warm spot in our hearts for Persian culture. My brother, for instance, is a film historian and recently wrote a very personal essay about the influence of Iranian cinema on his life. We all have a lot to learn about and celebrate in each other.

[@sonnyradcliffe8365]

Please be Iranian voice and support protest for women rights in iran, 22 year old girl #mahsaamini murdered by MUSLIMS ( Islamic Republic ) and "morality police" because of compulsory hijab, we want your help to destroy these corrupt government, we are not "Muslim" and we want our FREEDOM back, we don't expect "mullahs". Please share, post, and story to help us🙏🙏❤ #no_to_islamicrepublic #mahsa_amini #freedom #secularism #dont_be_silent #stop_islam

[@naomigodblessed9373]

Awesome story! Thanks for sharing, Yala.

[@faysalalqassab]

Yara, thank you for posting your story, and thank you and your family for being so vulnerable and transparent...I cried with your father and you in the end and I could feel and empathize the stuggle and hardship your mom faced in the second half of her life so far. I hope your mom is not alone and you are always visiting her and I hope she has a partner who loves her and makes her feel special. My name is Faysal, and I am Iraqi; born in Baghdad Iraq. Luckily, I was born in a family of doctors and teachers who brought us up believing that all people are meant to be respected, and if someone asks you for help you help them as best as you can. My family never taught us to be bias or racist or prejudice. We learned to cherish our similarity and respect and tolerate our differences. We learned that discussions in religion and politics were sensitive and could cause hatred if one was not careful. I learned that in many cultures and places around the world politics and religious arguments could be challenged and tested if misused and misunderstood. People with bad intentions could use the difference to create hatred and conflict for selfish hurtful reasons. My family an I decided always to treat all others like we wanted to be treated and to forgive and forget if their was any misunderstanding. Today I am glad to say that I have close friends from Iran and I learn a lot from them about history, culture, art, literature, sciences. Thank you again for your work. I wish you the best and I wish you safety and easiness with your continued success. Your neighbor and peaceful friend

[@nancyaragon9840]

I just viewed this episode...so beautiful! We immigrants, children of immigrants and for that matter all minorities, including black Americans live in two identities and to cut one off is to lose one of your arms....as expressed by your father. Beautiful. Thank you.

[@surajravindranezhuthachan9427]

Hey Yara, I've already saw your early Iranian - American videos. But this one with your family was beautiful, I think it's gonna touch every Iranian - American deep at their hearts. Great family bro!!! All the best for further videos.

[@BAn-mu4qe]

I am crying as I watch your father cr.ies This how African-Americans often feel, too....I look forward to your next film on your culture. This was very touching.

[@DonML83]

I have similar feeling like your dad, A Vietnamese - American, I love America so much, and I think this is my country and this is my home, but in me I am a Vietnamese. Your dad has great soul.

[@nnm8]

Thank you for sharing your story with us

[@ryuuzakilover]

When his dad started crying ....man I died....I'm waching this at work. Such a sweet heart! From a American Tajik. Keep up the good work

[@jakehohsfield]

Beautiful family and amazing story, thanks for sharing!

[@comprendersi1444]

When his dad talked about his identity I thought my soul was weeping. That was beautiful and also tragic. I feel for him. His parents, the Iranian community, everyone who had endured what it’s like to be an other are so beautiful

[@xe7535]

Ayy his dad married a Salvadorean

[@persianguy1524]

Xochilt Escalante Persian guys like latinas and blondes lol.

[@josecarranza7555]

Curvy latina women are the greatest.

[@johnjohn1890able]

Persian woman are Beautiful & that's coming from a Mexican/American...

[@ifyourespondyourmad.2409]

@@persianguy1524 well since yall r takin our Latinas, we will take yours Persian girls too 🇲🇽

[@hrothgarb9104]

Beautifully done. Thank you.

[@pdahandyman]

What your father said hit me hard, Yara. I understand why he's so emotional over the choice. Your family is Iranian-American, and that's beautiful and amazing. All cultures add to what it means to be American and make us all better. Well, not all, but most ;) I look forward to more stories!

[@WajeehLion]

this video was an emotional video for me, I can relate in so many ways... I was born by the Red Sea in Jeddah City in west Saudi Arabia. My family had great roots in respecting knowledge, raising me to admire education and explore the outside world. I grew up in the U.S. since I was in middle school, I certainly feel that I am American but also very much so an Arab. People can be harsh here in the U.S. calling me an alien, and Arabs view me as American. Coming to the United States has opened my eyes to a different philosophy of life, enhanced my ability to think out of the box, and has helped me build and organize solutions that many would not be able to find. After Graduating From K-State I came out as the first openly gay man from Saudi Arabia; being gay is punishable by death in my home country, so I was forced to apply for asylum in the U.S. Since then, I have used this platform to speak out about human rights violations, becoming an advocate for these unalienable rights across the U.S. and abroad. anyways thank you for this video

[@yossisavage8732]

Great Series. Hope to see more like this !

[@hodzal5258]

M. Sami thats really ignorant of you. You can hate the country but not the people just because he is Israeli doesn't mean he hates Muslim or Iranians

[@hodzal5258]

M. Sami you sorta assumed he hated Muslim

[@nbkw2ae]

M. Sami I’m Mexican American and I can relate to this story because I felt that way. Especially not feeling American enough in America and Mexican enough in Mexico. Anyone he’s an immigrant and raised with two cultures can appreciate this video.

[@Ullahussain]

im muslim and I go to events to watch holocaust survivors speak all the time just because it's interesting, you don't have to be of a religion or ethnicity to watch a video about it

[@TheYoucompaq]

Viva Palestina ("Long live Palestine")

[@mehronmoin]

Excellent work, Yara , as an Iranian this is the best documentary i ever seen , good luck

[@YannickReid]

Loving this series Yara! Thank you for sharing such a personal part of your life with the world. I know nothing about Iran and this series has helped me learn a little bit more about your culture, loving the stories you have shared! Peace

[@IvanTravels]

As a child of immigrants to the US, this speaks so much to me.

[@jesusfelix2283]

God bless you and your family. Thank you for sharing your history.

[@aryanpers4173]

Hi Yara, I'm Dutch Iranian, I enjoyed your doc. The best wishes for you and your family. ✌

[@pascale8483]

I’m Haitian American and this video really resonated with me. My mom moved to the US from Haiti when she was 20 and my dad’s parents moved from Haiti in their 20s and met in the US, where they had him. I always felt too Haitian to be Black-American, too Black to be white-American, and too American to be Haitian. But I’ve gotten more comfortable with embracing both sides of who I am without having to remove part of my identity :)

[@JonesyFit]

Pascale G I’m confused, Haitians and Black Americans are essentially the same people. Why do you separate us?

[@veggiedisease123]

@@JonesyFit Uhhh Haitian Americans def have their own history and culture. They both came from West Africa, and deep down maintain that culture, but they've become different since then.

[@mohammadyamini5275]

You’re so amazing person thanku for your story i love Iran i love peace🇮🇷🇮🇷🇮🇷❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@like_nobody]

Thanks Yara for depicting this, really valuable and informative.

[@ashutoshbalwaria]

Your father put every hardworking and honest immigrant's thoughts into beautiful words. Kudos!

[@FarhanAhmed-nc6ks]

This is really touching yara....I am an Indian Muslim..blessed exactly like you...but I"m glad that you have the guts to show that side of your family that I never can't...! Good Luck to you

[@gummybearlesbianmafia]

Your parents are amazing! Their so very brave. I'm so glad I watched this video it gave me such a better understanding.

[@glorialucia]

AWWWWW your parents are so precious and sweet. Thanks for sharing them with us the audience :)

[@AlexanderSiassi]

Beautiful work Yara. My father is Iranian (from Tehran too) and my mother is Russian, yet I was born here in Los Angeles. This hit so close to home. I feel the exact same way... torn at times. But I've learned that there is no need to be 100% anything, nobody is a pure 100%.

[@chrisbean]

Another great new video. Thank you for sharing your story. What really matters is how you are inside no matter where you are born.

[@noraarico1313]

Yara, I am in awe of people who come from other countries and do not speak the English language. I can only imagine how difficult it would be for me to learn another language and live in a foreign country and environment. Thank you for sharing your Iranian heritage with all of us. My father came from Sicily, Italy, when four years old and I am a second-generation Italian-American. My Italian grandparents spoke no English at home. I consider myself American first and Italian/Irish second. I like being a blend of the American/Italian/Irish heritage and love America like you, your Mom, and Dad does. Like your parents, my father was an asset and honorable citizen to the country who adopted him as their own. Again, much thanks and appreciation.

[@faymackie9749]

Such a beautiful story. I feel the exact same as an Iranian Canadian. I left Iran at the age of 13, now I’m 55 years old. What your mom and dad said brought tears to my eyes. 💕💕💕

[@aafsterlife9647]

Beautiful. Just beautiful. Thank you for giving us this incredible look into your life and cultural context.

[@kartaprt]

Thak you so much for sharing, this means so much

[@jlhenderson2]

Thanks for sharing your story about your beautiful family. I was really touched by your father's reaction to accepting America as his new home. It made me see how much I take for granted.

[@fatimagic1365]

yara's father's story is very much my father's story. he came to the us for an education and only stayed here because he met my mother. he got a master's degree but had a difficult time finding a job in his field because of racism and islamophobia, so he operates a small business. i was born in the us, but here, i always feel ~too ethnic~ and whenever i'm around my iranian cousins, i always feel so american and out of place. it's definitely a stressful experience at times but i do appreciate both aspects of my identity. iranian-americans don't often get talked about in the mainstream, so i loved watching this series and seeing a story unfold that i felt like i could really connect to.

[@hiteshgaur3214]

You made me into tears , and those dad hugs were heart melting, I wish I had such father, morally and emotionally intertwined

[@yasminb5195]

In love with this series❤️ thank you for making it

[@jaimemunoz5211]

What a beautiful video..!! all 3 of them.. I'm Mexican American and I can totally relate..!! I could not help crying when I listened to your parents speak..! My best friend Farzeen is from Iran. continue making excellent videos they are so intriguing..! P.S. I will try the Persian Ice cream next time I'm in L.A. Saludos..! Jaime

[@elizabethsum8133]

As a child of Cambodian Refugees. I can relate so much. Thank you for sharing. I teared up thinking of my parents while watching this.

[@interfear1]

As an immigrant, the words of Amir Elmjouie at the end of this video will forever resonate with me.

[@cvsop7338]

Oh Yara... it was such a touching, emotional video... just lo0o0ved it & will keep watching all other videos... well done!

[@lawrencetchen]

Yara, your dad speaks with so much passion, so much heart. It makes mine sing, his words resonate so deeply. As a child of immigrants this series speaks to me so well - hope there's more to come! P.S. Your trilingual (I assume) siblings sound like they would've had such a unique experience growing up - I'd love to see you interview them too!

[@Edbashir]

GREAT CONTENT 🙌🙌

[@manilamanila7730]

I am from Peru, and when I went to the U.S , MY FIRST BOSS WAS FROM IRAK, jossep and fariba they were great and taugh me how to sell , I love chicken kabobs , it was expensive for me to buy that plate, but i enjoyed it everytime, i came to this video beacause i live in peru now since year 2011. your videos brought back a big part of my living. thank you

[@mahdirouzgard6450]

Hi Awesome video , super emotional , as an Iranian who lived several years at a foreign country, I just got what your father was talking about, but for me ,Iran is somewhere that i will 💯 percent regret not living in it if i migrate permanently. Nice job bro موفق باشي

[@tecsonph]

Thanks for sharing your story.