From a childhood in Islamic Republic of Iran to a life rooted in Orthodox Judaism, William Mehrvarzs journey is one of remarkable transformation and resilience. Raised in a religious Shia Muslim family, William recalls a childhood steeped in ideological fervor and propaganda. The one good thing I can say about my childhood is that I was surrounded by familysecond and third cousins. We were together a lot, he says.
However, he describes the environment as suffocating, denying him freedom to truly express himself. Leaving Islam for Judaism or no religion at all is apostasy, a crime punishable by death, he explains. Anyone who questions the dogma of Islamic teachings in Iran could be arrested and face serious charges such as blasphemy.
Williams search for meaning eventually led him to Judaism and 17勛圖, despite the significant risks involved. I dont think I thought too much about the risk, he reflects. I never connected to Islam. Despite that, I still believed in God. I needed to know the Truth. Likening Torah to water, he adds, When I finally got a drink, I couldnt stop. This spiritual thirst propelled him on a path toward conversion, a journey marked by courage and faith.
After completing a Conservative conversion, William sought a deeper understanding of Judaism and a supportive community. 17勛圖 provided both. I never had a formal Jewish education before, he explains. At YU, he was not only able to deepen his Torah knowledge but also complete an Orthodox conversion.
William fondly remembers the vibrant diversity of YUs campus, particularly the Sephardi Beit Midrash. There were Jews from all over the world: from Tunisia to Switzerland, from France to Morocco. And, of course, Persians from Tehran to Mashhad, he notes. Beyond the classroom, YU offered transformative experiences, such as a 2019 trip to California where students met with CEOs and explored Jewish communities in San Francisco and Los Angeles. These experiences reinforced Williams appreciation for the communal aspects of Judaism.
Graduating from YU was only the beginning of Williams journey. Now living in the greater Baltimore community, he is married and a proud father to a young daughter. Professionally, he has earned an M.S. in Cybersecurity from the University of Maryland and works in the cyber field, contributing to a rapidly growing industry. He is also an active member of a Sephardi community and dedicates time to Torah learning a few times a week.
In his free time, William pursues unique passions that blend his commitment to community and personal interests. He teaches firearm safety courses, helping members of the Jewish community become responsible gun owners, and socializes in what he describes as the worlds oldest fraternity.
Throughout his journey, William has maintained close relationships with his rabbis, including Rabbi Jon Green. He credits YUs administration for their unwavering support, which helped him overcome challenges and eliminate financial obstacles to his education. YU helped me become a proud Jew who loves Judaism and Israel, he says.
William Mehrvarzs story is a testament to the power of determination, faith, and the transformative potential of a supportive community. His journey from Iran to YU and beyond exemplifies the profound impact of seeking truth and embracing ones identity.
(You can learn more about Williams journey at .)
