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Friday marks the beginning of the Persian New Year, also known as Nowruz. The holiday has roots in Iran but is celebrated across many parts of the world, including those from the region known as Kurdistan.

Moorhead, Minn., is home to around 3,500 people of Kurdish descent, or 8 percent of the city’s population. Kawar Farok is the executive director of the Kurdistan American Development Organization.

He said Nowruz is a celebration of fire and light. For many it’s a time of reflection and renewal. 

“People used to gather together with lit torches and climb the mountains and light the torches,” Farok said. “Unfortunately, the Kurdistan region is getting bombarded by Iranian drones this year. They're not doing the festivities out of fear of retaliation.”

He added in a written statement that many Kurds in Minnesota see the war involving Iran as “deeply personal.” Farok said that many Minnesota families had to cancel planned trips to Kurdistan due to flight disruptions with the war.

“Iran has long viewed Kurds as sympathetic to the West and aligned with the United States, making Kurdish communities a frequent target,” he wrote. But he said there is also skepticism and distrust in the community about whether the American government represents the needs of Kurds here. 

The organization is hosting a Nowruz event on March 29 at the Armory Event Center.

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The Israel-U.S. war with Iran has far reaching impacts that extend beyond the borders of countries overseas. 

Minnesota Kurds observe Persian New Year while war rages overseas

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