Radio host works to unite divided Iranian diasporaーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Community Divisions Emerge [0:00]

• The Iranian diaspora in Los Angeles, the largest in the U.S., is experiencing a shadow cast by the situation in Iran.
• Clinical psychologist Jaaleh Benchian hosts a popular Persian-language radio show that features live callers.

  "The largest Iranian community in the U.S. is located in and around Los Angeles with some 230,000 residents."

Initial Celebrations Turn to Concern [0:00]

• Following U.S. military operations, many Iranians in Los Angeles celebrated, anticipating regime change.
• Benchian was present on the ground during these celebrations.

  "Right after military operations by the U.S. began, Iranians in Los Angeles took to the streets to celebrate, in anticipation that the strikes would lead to a regime change."

Widening Rift Over Ceasefire Calls [0:00]

• As devastation spread in Iran, calls for a ceasefire intensified, creating a divide between those who supported the war and those who opposed it.
• Benchian sought to bridge this growing rift within the community.

  "However, as devastation spread in Iran, calls for a ceasefire intensified."

Eliciting Strong Views [0:00]

• Benchian intentionally posed questions designed to provoke strong opinions and keep conversations going between opposing political viewpoints.
• A caller expressed strong opposition to an agreement, believing it would fund terrorist groups and neglect the rights of the Iranian people.

  "This agreement will allow a group of terrorist groups, who has always been in the terrorist group of America, to find money."

Prioritizing People's Rights [0:00]

• A caller argued against an agreement, stating it failed to address the rights of the Iranian people.
• The caller emphasized that "Iran is the Iranians," asserting that the people's rights are paramount.

  "The real reason is that this agreement has no conversation about the people's rights."

Encouraging Tolerance and Common Ground [0:00]

• Benchian encourages the Iranian community to tolerate their disagreements and reminds them of their shared concern for Iran.
• She emphasizes that they have more control over their responses to events than the events themselves.

  "But what we do have control on is the response that we give."

Creating a Space for Dialogue [0:00]

• Benchian creates a space on her show for listeners to share their thoughts and understand other points of view.
• The goal is to reach a collective conclusion through open dialogue.

  "I create a space that people can call in and they share their thoughts."

Addressing Survivors' Guilt [0:00]

• Some listeners experience survivors' guilt, feeling safe in the U.S. while fearing further suffering for people in Iran.
• They desire a better future for Iran but are concerned about the ongoing hardships.

  "Ben Shiham says some of her listeners feel survivors' guilt as they are safe in the U.S."