Celebrating Nowruz 2026: A New Year Bringing Together Jewish and Iranian Communities in Melbourne

Nowruz marks the Persian New Year - a time for new beginnings, but for many in Melbourne’s Iranian and Jewish communities, this year’s celebration is shaped by worry for loved ones in Iran and in Israel. In this special SBS Hebrew feature, we bring you voices from this unique gathering - where people came together despite distance, uncertainty and grief, finding connection and shared hope for the year ahead.

Dancing with the Iranian lion-and-sun flag alongside Israeli flags at Nowruz celebration 2026

On March 22nd, Glen Eira Town Hall became a place of both celebration and remembrance. More than 500 people from Melbourne’s Iranian and Jewish communities gathered to mark the Persian New Year.

Nowruz means new beginnings

Omid Rokni, co-organiser

Sharon Kuper, a co-organiser of the event, first met Omid Rokni after October 7th, when he attended a rally calling for the release of hostages.

Together with Isaac Balbin and Mahir Mansouri, they set out to create a joint celebration for two communities that had already been supporting one another.

Over 500 people attended the joint event of the Iranian and Jewish community for Nowruz at Glen Eira's town hall

The celebration unfolded through sound and movement: participants drummed together on buckets, and music shifted between Persian and Jewish songs, filling the space as people made their way into the hall.

But alongside the joy, there were also moments of reflection. Attendees paused in front of portraits of fallen Iranians, honouring those lost, while many spoke about loved ones still in Iran.

Portraits of fallen Iranians were displayed as part of the event.

Many have had to flee Iran and in recent years, have seen family members targeted when they try to stand up against the authorities in Iran.

David Southwick MP

In a time marked by distance and uncertainty, this celebration created a space where both communities could stand side by side, marking the new year together.