Inauguration of the Arbab Rustam Guiv Dar-E-Mehr in New York

North America’s oldest Dar-E-Mehr has a new home. The Arbab Rustam Guiv Dar-E-Mehr was first established in 1977. On March 26, 2016 the brand new building of the Dar-E-Mehr was unveiled in Pomona, NY. This Dar-E-Mehr is home to two of FEZANA’s member associations, the Zoroastrian Association of Greater New York (ZAGNY) and the Iranian Zoroastrian Association (IZA).

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FEZANA President Katayun Kersi Kapadia addressed the audience on this auspicious day. Below is the text of her speech.

Vada Dasturji Khurshed Dastoor, Mr. Brett Yagel, Mayor of Pomona, Astad Clubwala, President of the Zoroastrian Association of Greater New York (ZAGNY), Shirin Khosravi, President the Iranian Zoroastrian Association (IZA), Viraf Commissariat, Chairman Dar-e-Mehr Zoroastrian Temple (DMZT), Edul Davar, NDMI, Honored Guests, Respected Mobeds and fellow Zarathushtis

On behalf of the FEZANA Executive, 26 member associations, 14 corresponding members across USA & Canada, 25 committee chairs, and the entire Zarathushti community of North America, I extend our heartiest congratulations on the inauguration of this New Arbab Rustam Guiv Dar-e-Mehr.

FEZANA wishes you all the best as this Dar-e-Mehr continues to foster active participation from its current members and encourages future generations in fulfilling the religious, cultural and social needs of the Zarathushti community in the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

We, in the FEZANA Community, value the participation and contribution of our stalwart member association ZAGNY during the last 25 years and are very proud to see that ZAGNY now has built a place of their own where the local community will carry out its activities with pride.

Let this Dar-e-Mehr create an environment conducive for growth and progress where every individual feels welcome to belong to the Zarathushti community.

We sincerely hope that this Dar-e-Mehr built upon a strong foundation of Zarathushti principles & values is a beacon of inspiration and spiritual comfort to the Zarathushti community of North America.

I also bring greetings and best wishes from ZAPANJ my home association.  ZAPANJ members were looking forward to participate in this inaugural ceremony in large numbers but could not due to capacity constraints.  However, plans are already underway to bring a bus load of our children and adults to participate in a joint Religion class this Fall.

FEZANA advocates as stated in the FEZANA Strategic Plan that this Dar-e-Mehr enables ZAGNY, IZA & DMZT to continue to harmoniously work to develop a Zarathushti community in the Tri-State Area that is well-connected, well-educated, well-grounded in Zarathushti religious thought, values and ethics, respectful of diversity, strong in collective giving, economically prosperous, a community which will be recognized for its contribution in all aspects of religious and communal life.

I personally am delighted and honored to add my greetings and best wishes on the occasion of the inauguration of the New Arbab Rustam Guiv Dar-e-Mehr in New York and compliment all those who have made this possible.

May Ahuramazda shower his choicest blessings on this Dar-e-Mehr!

Press Room

FEZANA represents a diverse and growing Zarathushti community in North America.

Guided by the blessings of AHURA MAZDA and the teachings of our Prophet Zarathushtra; the Federation was founded in 1987 It serves as the coordinating body for 26 Zoroastrian Associations and 14 Corresponding Groups in the United States and Canada.

The activities of FEZANA are conducted in a spirit of mutual respect, co-operation and unity amongst all Member associations, and with due regard for the principles of GOODNESS, TRUTH, REASON, BENEVOLENCE, IMPLICIT TRUST and CHARITY towards all Mankind.

:+: Baname Khoda Kshnothro Ahura Mazda