Who am I?
Wikipedia defines me as “a tennis promoter,” which is an achievement I’m very proud of, but is it an identity?
In Tabriz and Rezaiyeh, though completely secular, I was always the Jewish boy. In Tehran, I was the Jew who came from Tabriz. In Germany, I was the newly-arrived Iranian Jew, initially defined by my relationship with my in-laws, who were prominent members of their community. In Zürich, I was the Iranian Jew who came from Germany. In the United States I was again the Iranian Jew who came from Europe. In Israel, where I’ve been living for the past 23 years, I am no longer tagged as Jewish, because here it is the default identity.
Here I finally feel I belong. I am at home.
Working on this book made me relive the events, but also see my own life and family through different eyes and angles, and come to terms with even the most unpleasant experiences.
It also helped me understand who I am: Sasson Khakshouri, a unique being, just like everyone else.
God Almighty!
Dear Lord, let me not be troubled,
Let me not depend on others,
friends or strangers.
I am eternally grateful to God Almighty, the creator and bestower, who has commanded me to undertake this journey. Through the incessant encouragement of my lovely wife Gollar, invaluable support by my dear friend Eng. Homayoun Ebrahimi, and the unrelenting perfectionism of Dr. Thamar E. Gindin, He has led me to the publication of this book that you’re holding.