Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America

FEZANA was registered in the State of Illinois on June 2, 1987 as a non-profit, religious and charitable organization. The first Annual General Meeting was held in Toronto on April 1, 1988, in conjunction with the sixth North American Zoroastrian Congress. The first elected Officers were: Mr. Rohinton Rivetna (Chicago), President; Mr. Homi B. Minocher Homji (Toronto), Vice-President; Mr. Framroze Patel (New York), Treasurer; Mrs. Dolly Dastoor (Montreal), Secretary; and Mrs. Sabar Balsara (Toronto), Assistant Secretary. Currently, Rohinton Rivetna sits on our Executive Council and is the Chairperson of External Affairs of FEZANA as well as on FEZANA's World Body Working Group.

Zoroastrians are the followers of the great Iranian prophet, Zarathushtra (known to the Greeks as Zoroaster), who lived about three and a half thousand years ago, circa 1500 B.C.E.. Zoroastrians began migrating to North America in the 1950s and 1960s, seeking higher education and better opportunities. They have settled well and prospered in business and the professions. Possibly the most notable Zoroastrian in the U.S.A. today is Zubin Mehta, former conductor of the NY Philharmonic Orchestra. These immigrants brought with them more than their skills and talents, their willingness to work and determination to succeed. They also brought their faith, culture and customs, their language and literature - the legacy of a centuries-old tradition that fits surprisingly well into the modern North American milieu.

The North American Federation proved a strong communal infrastructure to the various Zoroastrian Associations in North America. They promote the study, understanding and practice of the Zoroastrian faith and the welfare of the Zoroastrian communities.