Making the world, and the Jewish community, a better place.
By Debra Eckerling
Sam Yebri is known throughout Los Angeles for his commitment to community building, advocacy and his enthusiasm for making the world, and the Jewish community, a better place. Sam is a trial attorney, civic leader, and passionate advocate for Los Angeles and the Jewish community. A graduate of Yale and USC Gould School of Law, he’s a partner at Merino Yebri LLP and an adjunct professor at USC Gould School of Law, blending legal expertise with public service.
“It brings me a lot of satisfaction that I am doing something meaningful with my time and I am modeling for my kids what it means to be not just a proud Jew, but a serious Jew in all aspects of [my life],” Sam explains. “I’m fortunate that my wife loves Jewish activism and philanthropy as well; it has brought me great benefits professionally and socially and personally … In general, if I am not in the office I want to be spending my time doing something meaningful.”
Over the years, Sam has served Los Angeles as a City Commissioner, advised on gun violence prevention, and led or supported organizations including ETTA, Bet Tzedek, United Hatzalah of Israel, and Thrive Los Angeles. He has served the Los Angeles Jewish community in numerous capacities, including as a trustee of the Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles. Sam also previously held leadership positions for Jewish Federation of Los Angeles, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, the Jewish Free Loan Association, Bend the Arc, the Anti-Defamation League, and Builders of Jewish Education, as well as on the boards of directors of both USC Hillel and UCLA Hillel.
In 2007, Sam co-founded 30 Years After, a civic organization that has engaged thousands of Iranian American Jews in American civic and Jewish life, and served as its president until 2020.
Sam views his professional networks, social friends, and what he does in the community, politically and through philanthropy, as one and the same. All aspects have been integral to his life.
“The people who were on our dance floor at my daughter’s bat mitzvah in November, I know them all in some way through the Jewish work we do,” he says. “I can tell you almost for a fact, if they haven’t gotten involved in something that I care about, they’re probably not going to be close enough friends to be at my daughter’s bat mitzvah.”
At his core, Sam believes that when you do for others, it enhances who you are.
“A compelling argument can be made that one person can’t make a big difference and life is short, that you should live it in a way that is best for you financially, personally, and other people will take care of the community. That’s just never been me,” he says. “Despite all the hours, hard work and some sacrifices, being involved in the Jewish community has uplifted my life in every conceivable way.”
Community building is a huge part of philanthropy. What initially inspired you to make a difference?
Community building is undoubtedly the most important aspect of philanthropy and advocacy. It is imperative to share your passion and engage others in your community work because we are exponentially stronger and more impactful when we work together. Sam Yebri with his wife, Leah, and their children.
My “aha” moment to look outwards was when I gathered a few cousins to interview my aging grandfather (z’l), before he passed away, about his life and his legacy. What mattered the most to him was the work he did to help the Jewish community in Iran. Seeing how meaningful that work was to him in the final stage of his life has stayed with me.
How has philanthropy enriched your life?
I have received far more than I have given — from meeting my wife through community work, to building life-long bonds with other fighters and doers in the community, to finding a deeper purpose and meaning to my daily life.
When was the first time you participated in Tzedakah?
The first meaningful act that I remember was when I decided to raise money for charity in honor of my law school graduation. I spent time researching and decided to raise funds for Adi Negev (formerly Aleh Negev), which is a remarkable housing and rehabilitative village in the Negev for Israelis with developmental disabilities and special needs. Giving, helping, and just saying yes to community projects became addictive.
What are simple ways anyone can give back/participate in Tikun Olam?
Just say yes. Whether it’s a small donation to a worthy cause, volunteering at your school or shul, or showing up to a community event, everything makes a difference.
What is the most recent thing you have been working on that you are proud of?
I am incredibly proud that the Bhatia Family Village by Cornerstone recently opened its doors to residents. It has been an honor to serve as the board president of ETTA, which has been a driving force behind this one-of-a-kind residential project for adults with developmental disabilities in the heart of the Jewish community in Pico Robertson.
I’ve been active with ETTA for over a decade. There’s ETTA, and then there’s the Village, which is a separate project, because it has its own board, management, and ownership structure. It very much has been a passion project, inspired by ETTA leadership, founder Dr. Michael Held, and others.
It’s exciting to see something so impactful, like the Village, which will house 64 individuals from our community who have developmental disabilities and hopefully employ them as well, go from a vision to a property to shovels in the dirt and now actually apartments.
What’s next?
For now, I am looking for more opportunities to do good locally for the Jewish community in Los Angeles and nationally for the U.S.-Israel alliance through the work of AIPAC. And being a present father, working hard with my wife, Leah, to raise four proudly Jewish children in this crazy world.
What are the needs of Jewish LA right now?
First, safety. Our Jewish schools, shuls, institutions, and businesses have become increasingly vulnerable targets, while the size of the LAPD has shrunk nearly 20% in the last decade. Second, massive investments in Jewish education to help inspire and educate the next generation of Jewish Angelenos.
Third, deeper civic engagement. The needs of Jewish LA are be ing neglected by political leaders, largely because not enough Jewish Angelenos are “praying with our feet” through intentional voting and political action.
Who inspires you?
I am inspired by Jewish stories, of which we have countless. From the Torah to modern Israeli history, all one needs to do to find inspiration as a Jew today is to think about what it took for the Jewish people to survive across the globe, across millennia, across all odds. Am Israel Chai!
What is your favorite Jewish meal?
Without a doubt, Shabbat dinner, with a Persian twist of course. Nothing beats shutting down technology and munching on ghondi (think a meatier matzah ball) with family after a busy week.