Nowruz, the Persian New Year, is celebrated with enthusiasm by the Iranian diaspora in North Vancouver, where local businesses and community members engage in traditional activities. Amir Hosh, owner of Ayoub’s Dry Fruits and Nuts, embraces the celebration as a cultural bridge, while Bahman Sahami (Nima) of Nima bookstore highlights the growing interest in Iranian history and culture. Zohreh Parsaeian, manager of Hasti Jewelry, emphasizes the importance of preserving Nowruz traditions for future generations in Canada. The community, including software developer Bahram Deshmeh, finds ways to keep the spirit of Nowruz alive, even in educational settings like schools, fostering cultural exchange and solidarity.

In downtown Vancouver, B.C., Ofra Sixto, an Israeli restaurateur, runs her restaurant with the help of Eli, an Iranian server-assistant. Despite the political tensions between their home countries, they work harmoniously, focusing on serving good food and maintaining a space of peace. Ofra, who emigrated to Canada 30 years ago, opened her restaurant four years ago and has since become a popular figure in the neighborhood. Eli, who arrived in Vancouver two months ago, appreciates Ofra's support and sees her as a mother figure. Ofra's restaurant is a welcoming place for all nationalities, including Palestinians and Iranians, and she actively expresses her opinions on social media. The story highlights the potential for cultural integration and mutual respect in a diverse society.

In downtown Vancouver, Ofra's Kitchen is a symbol of cultural integration where Ofra Sixto, an Israeli restaurateur, and her Iranian server-assistant, Eli, work together despite the political tensions between their home countries. Ofra, who emigrated from Israel 30 years ago, opened her restaurant four years ago and has since employed immigrants, including Iranians. Eli, who arrived in Vancouver two months ago, appreciates Ofra's support and sees her as a mother figure. Ofra's Kitchen welcomes customers of all nationalities and maintains a stance of peace, even amidst occasional confrontations regarding Middle Eastern politics. The restaurant's environment reflects the belief in a world without borders, and while Eli has since left the job for full-time employment, the experience at Ofra's Kitchen remains a testament to the possibility of harmony and understanding.

In downtown Vancouver, Ofra's Kitchen is a symbol of cultural integration where Ofra Sixto, an Israeli restaurateur, and her Iranian server-assistant, Eli, work together despite the political tensions between their home countries. Ofra, who emigrated from Israel 30 years ago, opened her restaurant four years ago and has since employed immigrants, including those from Iran. The restaurant is a welcoming space for all nationalities, and Ofra actively engages in conversations about her beliefs on social media. Recently, Eli left the job for reasons unrelated to Middle Eastern conflicts, seeking full-time employment to support her life in Canada.

In downtown Vancouver, Ofra Sixto, an Israeli restaurateur, runs a restaurant where she employs Eli, an Iranian server-assistant. Despite the political tensions between their home countries, they work harmoniously, focusing on serving good food and maintaining a space of peace. Ofra has been in Canada for 30 years and opened her restaurant four years ago. Eli, who arrived in Vancouver two months ago, appreciates Ofra's support and sees her as a mother figure. Ofra's restaurant is a place where people of all nationalities, including Palestinians and Iranians, are welcome. The article highlights the importance of respect and coexistence beyond political and national divides.

The Vancouver Art Gallery is hosting an exhibition titled 'Poets, Locks, and Cages' featuring the works of Iranian-Canadian artist Parviz Tanavoli. The exhibition showcases over 100 pieces from Tanavoli's career spanning six decades, including sculpture, painting, printmaking, and mixed-media assemblages. Tanavoli, known as the 'Father of modern Iranian sculpture,' has explored themes of poetry, ancient Persian history, and stories in his art. The exhibition, curated by Pantea Haghighi, is laid out thematically and includes the Wonders of the Universe series, inspired by Vancouver's scenery and painted on old book pages from a Tehran bazaar. Tanavoli's work is significant for its depiction of Iran’s cultural identities and his influence on the Saqqakhana School of art. The exhibition will be open until November 19, 2023.

Mustafa Popalzai, a Detective Constable of the Toronto Police Service’s Homicide Unit and co-founder of Project Hope, shares his journey from being a refugee from Afghanistan to becoming a role model in Canada. Facing challenges upon arrival in Toronto with his family due to threats from the Taliban, Popalzai pursued higher education and unexpectedly found a fulfilling career in law enforcement. He and his colleague, Farzad Ghotbi, have been instrumental in assisting Afghan refugees through Project HOPE, providing donations and information sessions on Canadian laws and the role of police. Popalzai's humanitarian work extends internationally, and he is currently involved in mentoring newcomers and refugees aspiring to join the police force. He encourages patience and hard work for those new to Canada, emphasizing the opportunities available in the country.

Annahid Dashtgard, an Iranian-Canadian author and CEO of Anima Leadership, discusses her new book 'Bones of Belonging' in an interview with New Canadian Media. The book, a collection of essays, delves into the themes of belonging, racial justice, and the immigrant experience in Canada. Dashtgard shares her personal journey of navigating cultural identities and the challenges of systemic racism. She emphasizes the power of storytelling in making complex issues of race and identity more accessible and relatable. Despite the book's success, including being listed on a Canadian bestseller list, Dashtgard expresses disappointment with the lack of action on diversity in the Canadian publishing industry. She is determined to use her position on the board of the Writers Union of Canada to advocate for change and better representation of diverse voices in literature.

Afshin Ghotbi, an Iranian-American soccer coach, now leads Vancouver FC in Canada. Ghotbi, nicknamed 'Afshin the Emperor' in Iran, has a diverse coaching history across the U.S., South Korea, Iran, Japan, Thailand, and China. In an interview, he reflects on his childhood love for soccer, his coaching journey beginning in the U.S., and the challenges he faced choosing between an engineering career and soccer. Ghotbi has coached teams in three World Cups and was head coach for Iran's national team. He regrets not qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup due to political unrest in Iran. Ghotbi praises Vancouver's harmonious diversity and emphasizes the importance of passion and perseverance in achieving success, especially for immigrants and refugees.

On May 20, a significant protest against Iran took place in Vancouver, with participants condemning the recent executions in Iran and advocating for justice. The rally was part of a series of global demonstrations following the execution of three protesters in Iran, which Amnesty International criticized for the flawed trial and use of coerced confessions. Protesters aimed to show solidarity with Iranians and to pressure global policymakers. The Iranian diaspora in Canada has been active in calling for sanctions and for the IRGC to be labeled a terrorist organization. The G7 leaders also expressed concern over Iran's human rights abuses. Iran Human Rights, a Norway-based watchdog, reported that 537 people have been killed in Iran's anti-government protests, and Amnesty International noted an increase in executions in Iran from 2021 to 2022.

Art Vancouver is an annual art fair held at the Vancouver Convention Center, which showcases contemporary artwork from around the world. This year, it featured around 100 artists from May 4 to 7. New Canadian Media highlighted the event's role in promoting immigrant artists. Bulgarian-rooted Iva Staykova, Vancouver-based Scarlett Grae with mixed-race heritage, Zimbabwean Amanda Takawira, and Jana Rolland, inspired by nature, were some of the artists who shared their stories and art. Maya Mana from Tehran presented a collection that comments on environmental issues. The fair served as a platform for artists to celebrate their identities, cultures, and concerns, while connecting with a global audience.

The article discusses the activism of the Iranian diaspora in Canada following the death of Mahsa Amini and the start of the Woman, Life, Freedom movement in Iran. Aytak Dibavar, an Iranian-Canadian lawyer and assistant professor at McMaster University, explains the diverse reasons behind the diaspora's engagement and activism, attributing it to a shared public trauma. The Canadian government has responded to this activism by imposing sanctions on Iranian officials and the morality police, and there are calls for sustained activism to ensure these measures are not merely symbolic. Dibavar emphasizes the importance of continued political pressure, including adding the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to the terrorist list and preventing financial transactions of Iranian officials in Canada. She also mentions the role of diaspora groups in planning for Iran's future governance and the need for collective efforts to create detailed plans for a post-Islamic regime Iran.

The article discusses how immigrants are increasingly using social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, QZone, and Instagram to find employment and community information before and after arriving in Canada. A study by Toronto Metropolitan University found that social media gives immigrants a significant advantage in the labor market. Influencers like Maliheh Ghaneei (@malihehx) and experts like Mina Einifar highlight the role of social media in providing valuable information and building trust within immigrant communities. However, there is a cautionary note about the spread of misinformation and the need for fact-checking. The article also points out that Canadian Settlement Service Provider Organizations are still adapting to the use of social media for communication, suggesting a need for strategic focus to close the information gap and improve job search results for newcomers.

North Van Arts is hosting 'Women, Life, Freedom,' an art exhibition curated by Saghi Ehteshamzadeh, showcasing the strength and beauty of Iranian women and supporting the Woman, Life, Freedom movement in Iran. The movement began after Mahsa Amini's death in custody by Iran's morality police. The exhibition at Cityscape Community ArtSpace includes works by Iranian and international artists, aiming to raise awareness about the struggles and resilience of women in Iran and globally. It features pieces that reflect on the violence faced by protesters in Iran, with a focus on hope and solidarity. The exhibition, which also serves as a form of activism, will be open until August 26. Amnesty International reports that since the protests began, thousands have been arrested and hundreds killed in Iran.

The Persian New Year, Nowruz, will be observed differently by the Iranian diaspora in Canada this year due to the Woman, Life, Freedom movement sparked by Mahsa Amini's death in Iran. Niloofar Hooman, a Ph.D. candidate at McMaster University, expresses that the diaspora is filled with complex emotions but remains hopeful for change. The Iranian regime's harsh response to protests has led to thousands of arrests and hundreds of deaths, as reported by Amnesty International and the Human Rights Activists News Agency. Darius Zamani, owner of PanBeh, an Iranian bookstore in Vancouver, notes that Nowruz celebrations may focus on commemorating those who died in the protests. The article also discusses the increase in Iranian immigration to Canada and how the diaspora maintains cultural traditions like Nowruz while adapting to life far from their homeland.