In 1974, the late Mr. Haroun Kohanim z'l took the initiative to create a directory for the Mashadi Jewish Community residing in Tehran, Iran. His goal was clear: to unite community members by collecting their names, addresses, and phone numbers in one comprehensive resource. This printed directory quickly became an invaluable tool for community members to stay connected and informed.
After moving to New York, Mr. Kohanim continued his efforts by working on new volumes of the directory for Mashadi Jews residing in the United States. For 26 years, he diligently updated and maintained the Directory, ensuring its relevance and accuracy.
In the 1990s, brothers Shahab and Mehran Etessami volunteered their time to help Mr. Kohanim computerize the directory, which continued to be published in both Farsi and English. After Mr. Haroun Kohanim passed away, his children and the Kohanim family continued his work, updating the community database and publishing several new editions of the Directory and ensuring its continuity. Together, their efforts spanned decades, providing the Mashadi Jewish Community with a reliable resource for staying connected across geographical boundaries.
Now, on the 50th anniversary of the Mashadi Directory, the tradition continues as the directory transitions to an online platform. This move not only ensures the directory's accessibility and usability in today's digital age but also marks a new chapter in its evolution.
The Mashadi Directory stands as a symbol of unity and community spirit, bridging generations and geographical distances. Its legacy will undoubtedly endure as it continues to serve as a vital tool for connecting and strengthening the Mashadi Jewish Community for years to come.