Every Jewish refugee has his or her story, but many are still untold, or kept within the confines of the family. Kam Aynessazian ‘s story might have remained unknown had his nephew not asked him to write it down for a school project. Thanks to Kam for sharing his story with Point of No Return readers.
Anti-US demonstrators during the Islamic revolution
Kam had an uncle who emigrated to the US in 1956 with $100 in his pocket and re-established himself in Chicago. Those who left the Iran at that time they sought economic opportunities and higher education – denied to them at the time in their home country. Kam’s father tried many times to join him with his entire family, unsuccessfully.
Life under the Shah was, in retrospect, a golden age for a sector of society. Minorities were able to practise in freedom and without fear. Some could enjoy a middle class lifestyle. But sudden westernisation was producing a backlash from conservative Islamic fundamentalists. The storm clouds were already gathering in 1977.
In 1978 Kam’s parents managed to get US visitor’s’ permits for themselves and for their two younger sons. Kam, the elder of the two, was then 13.
The parents returned to Iran while Kam and his brother stayed on – illegally – in the US. The Islamic Revolution broke out in November 1978, unleashing vicious religious persecution. Distant Baha’i’ relatives were executed. Jews and other minorities – never popular – were forced to live in seclusion and practise in private. Many lost contact with their families abroad.
Kam’s parents and elder brothers were stuck in Iran. Despite Kam’s uncle’s valiant attempts to get immigration visas for them, the US embassy was closed. Nor could they travel to another country with a US embassy.
Kam’s father was desperate. In 1983, he paid smugglers a hefty bribe to take his wife and two elder sons over the border into Pakistan. They endured many hardships, but eventually made it. They joined a group which had access to forged documents and visas. His mother and brothers ended up in Spain. Through Kam’s uncle they managed to obtain (legal) visas for the US.
Meanwhile, Kam’s father, a textile merchant, stayed on in Iraq to liquidate his assets while trying not to give the impression that he was preparing to leave.
Eventually, he tried to escape, but was thrown into jail on the border with Pakistan. Thankfully, he had business contacts in the border town who were able to vouch that he was there on business. He was released. The outcome could have been quite different: he could have been executed.
In 1985, Kam’s father was re-united with his family in Chicago. Kam had not seen him for seven years.
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