Photo:Majid Asgaripour/WANA via REUTERS
The information was disseminated by Vesty.
On 28 March, large-scale anti-Israeli demonstrations took place in Iran, timed to coincide with Al-Quds Day, a symbolic date celebrated on the last Friday of Ramadan as a “day of solidarity with the Palestinians”. Particularly noteworthy was the participation of representatives of Iran’s Jewish community, who not only joined anti-Israeli slogans, but also called for the “liberation of Jerusalem from the Zionists” and even its destruction.
Demonstrations took place in several Iranian cities – Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz – where Jewish communities traditionally have a presence. In contrast to the isolated or suppressed opposition, these rallies were officially sanctioned by the authorities and were characterised by mass support for the ayatollahs’ regime.
Jewish member of Iranian parliament supports ‘axis of resistance’
Particular attention was paid to the statements made by Dr Homyun Sameh, the official representative of the Jewish community in the Iranian parliament. In his speech at the rally, he stated:
“All free peoples of the world must oppose the occupation regime in Jerusalem. The Zionist regime is illegitimate, its policies contradict Jewish teachings.”
Sameh also praised the so-called “axis of resistance”, an informal alliance of forces opposing Israel, which Iran traditionally includes such groups as Hezbollah, Hamas and others. According to the MP, “this axis is stronger than ever”.
He separately condemned Jews, Christians and Muslims who support Zionism or “silently accept Israel’s crimes”. In his opinion, it is the silence of the “Zionist” believers that allows the regime to continue to exist.
Context: Why Iran is portraying Jews as opponents of Israel
Sameh’s speech fits into the Iranian regime’s long-standing strategy of demonstrating that criticism of Israel is not hostility to Jews as such. Iran’s Jews are one of the oldest diasporas, and despite political tensions, they are still officially recognised by the authorities and have parliamentary representation.
However, the participation of Jews in rallies with slogans such as “blow up Jerusalem” is a cause for concern among the global Jewish community. Such rhetoric not only undermines attempts at dialogue between religions, but also calls into question the line between anti-Israeli propaganda and anti-Semitism.
Western silence and calls to action
Despite the shocking slogans and public demonstrations of hatred towards Israel, the international reaction remains restrained. So far, there have been no official statements from either Israel or international human rights organisations. However, analysts warn that when religious rhetoric is used to justify calls for violence, the world has no right to remain silent.
