Kami Boudai

Kamran (Kami) Boudai is a true role model of community service. He selflessly gives of himself to improve the lives of so many in the community and beyond. 

Born in Tehran, Iran, Kami received his education at the Jewish Alliance School and went on to graduate from the University of Science & Technology with a degree in electrical engineering.  He always had an affinity for his Jewish roots which led him to participate in Jewish youth groups where he learned about Israel and had the opportunity to interact with Jewish neighbors.

After emigrating to the United States, he and his family settled in Los Angeles and built a successful Fire Protection business and found additional success as an entrepreneur.  It didn’t take long before Kami became involved in many Jewish organizations including Valley Beth Shalom (VBS) where he is a member, AIPAC, Hadassah, and supporting the State of Israel.  But his caring has never been contained to just organizations. On a personal and quiet basis, Kami helps numerous individuals who are undergoing difficult times by providing guidance and support.

At VBS Kami and his wife of 45 years Diana, established the “Boudai Family Innovation Lab,” an everlasting legacy for his children and grandchildren.  The lab allows students to design and create projects through the use of 3D printers, virtual reality devices, robotics, power tools and a laser cutter. The lab truly adds a whole new dimension to Jewish learning, allowing students to thrive and make the world a better place.

In 1996 Kami’s desire to find ways to help the less fortunate led to meeting Mrs. Manijeh Nehorai who was establishing the Friends of ETTA Iranian-American Division.  He soon joined ETTA by giving his time, expertise and resources to help the Division grow and prosper.     

Collaborating with Mrs. Nehorai, ETTA’s executive Director Dr. Michael Held and fellow Board members, Kami worked hard to help the Iranian community overcome the stigma of a family member with special needs.  He admits at first it was a challenging task, but over time the Division has achieved tremendous success and today is among the foremost organizations serving the Iranian special needs community in Southern California.  In addition to helping ETTA directly, he represented ETTA’s Iranian community as a board member at the Iranian Jewish Federation.

Looking to the future, Kami is most enthusiastic about The Village, ETTA’s planned, multi-family housing community that is a dream come true.  “The Village is a major step in ETTA’s mission of providing lives of independence and skills-training for members of our community.  It will be a landmark project that will change lives for the better, while ensuring that everybody in our community is included, counted and cherished,” Kami said.

Of all his achievements, Kami is perhaps most proud of the wonderful family he has raised.  With his wife Diana, he is blessed with a family of four children and their spouses:  Kamyar and (Ilyse), Kambiz and (Jessica), Kayvan and (Natalie) and Delaram.  He is also blessed with four grandchildren Ian, Jonah, Kayla and Alana.

Please join us as we pay tribute to a humble man who has done so much for so many and continues to do so.