The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran—currently the subject of a fragile ceasefire—has uniquely affected the population of Beverly Hills.
Although exact statistics are not available, by most estimates, the Iranian population of Beverly Hills accounts for approximately 20% of residents. The majority of that group is also Jewish, placing their loyalties at the center of the conflict.
Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian is among them. Nazarian has shared her immigrant story widely; as a child, she and her family fled Iran to escape religious persecution brought on by the Iranian Revolution. For a brief period of time, they lived in Israel.
Speaking with the Courier, Nazarian discussed the effects of the recent conflict on her constituents and herself.
“It’s a very emotional time,” she said. “There’s a lot of anxiety and concerns, and a lot of hope. It’s like, all parts of me, right? I feel divided, but I also feel the weight of these moments. I’m trying to approach it with compassion and a sense of responsibility to represent all parts of our community.”
The current war began on June 12, when Israel launched an air campaign against Iran that kicked off a series of retaliatory actions by both countries.
Israel’s actions targeted Iran’s nuclear program, military infrastructure and key leadership, according to the Critical Threats Project at the American Enterprise Institute and the Institute for the Study of War.
The United States entered the conflict on June 21, when President Donald Trump ordered the bombing of three nuclear targets in Iran.
As of press time, Iran and Israel were adhering to a ceasefire agreement, and the U.S. has indicated that it does not plan to strike again.
Many Iranian Jewish residents of Beverly Hills have family in the region at the center of the conflict, Nazarian said.
“I’ve heard a lot of concern,” she said. “[Residents] have deep concern for their loved ones who are abroad or in the diaspora. They’re concerned about their safety and the uncertainty that affects them. Many are feeling very vulnerable and heartbroken.”
Nazarian declined to discuss the specifics of the conflict with the Courier, but she briefly addressed the situation at the Beverly Hills City Council’s June 17 meeting.
“The Iranian people have suffered deeply under a regime that has isolated them from the world and placed them in harm’s way,” she said at the meeting. “A nuclear-armed Iranian regime would pose a grave danger not only to Israel and the region but to the entire world. Israel’s action, though difficult, reflects a preemptive effort to prevent a potential catastrophe.”
As a result of the conflict—and an ongoing increase in antisemitism—Beverly Hills is increasing security. Although there have been no reported threats, Nazarian said that the Beverly Hills Police Department has been closely monitoring the situation and has increased patrols in key areas, including houses of worship.
Officers are making use of the Real Time Watch Center, which employs cameras, license plate readers and drones to monitor activity throughout the city.
“The Real Time Watch Center gives us the ability to track and respond to activity in real time, which is a gift, and it’s one of the many tools that our police department is utilizing to be proactive,” said Nazarian. “Our officers are highly engaged, and they’re in close contact with regional and federal partners. The goal is to keep our community safe while also reassuring residents that we’re paying attention and ready to act if needed.”
As the conflict’s outcome remains uncertain, Nazarian emphasized the importance of togetherness.
“My heart is with everyone, all of our brothers and sisters who are in the region, people who are worried, grieving or waiting for clarity,” she said. “I believe there’s strength in our community, and in the importance of staying connected to each other. And as mayor, I want to continue to listen, to lead thoughtfully and to work with our partners to ensure a safer, stronger and more united Beverly Hills.”
