The Jewish kehilla in Iran recently issued a message to the members of the community that in preparation for Rosh Hashanah, community leaders have coordinated with the “respectable police of Greater Tehran” regarding “arrangements required for the safety of celebrating the important Rosh Hashanah.”
The announcement stated that “in this regard, all mispallelim are asked to refrain from stopping and gathering in the streets for any reason during Rosh Hashanah after performing their religious duties in the shuls.” The warning is a reference to the upcoming anniversary of the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini who died in police custody after being arrested for allegedly violating the Islamic dress code. The anniversary of her death, which sparked widespread protests followed by a brutal crackdown by the Iranian regime, falls out on Shabbos, September 16, the first day of Rosh Hashanah.
Iranian authorities are tightening security measures in the country in anticipation of mass protests. There have been numerous petitions online by dissident groups to take to the streets on September 16 despite the fact that last year’s crackdown on the protests resulted in the deaths of over 500 Iranians, with thousands injured and tens of thousands thrown in prison.
The announcement further stated: “During the thousands of years of existence of the Jewish kehilla in Iran, the community has always protected national interests and maintained a shining record in this regard, which has always spurred the envy and dissatisfaction of the enemies.”
“It is clear that even this time, with foresight and in consideration of all aspects of the current situation, the cultured society of the Jewish community will not allow any kind of contact with the sworn enemies of proud Iran.”
“The Jewish kehilla thanks the police for its incalculable and constant assistance. There is no doubt that the Jewish community supports the fight against the evil plans of Iran’s enemies and will celebrate the splendid ceremony of Rosh Hashanah at a distance from any demonstration, with G-d’s help until the end.”
(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)
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6 Responses
why are any jews living there ……
why are any jews living there ……
For the basic reason that they and their families have lived there for generations, some tracing their lineage back hundreds of years. The older generation is generally tied economically to family bushiness and would be unable to repatriate much, if any, of their wealth if they moved to EY or the US. Thus, you can tell from the deferential and sometimes fawning language use about how the police have always protected them, there is zero interest in making any political statements. However, many in the younger generation identify more closely with the politically progressive groups that have been at the forefront of anti-government demonstrations over the past several years and truly believe change is both possible and likely
The script was written and approved by the government before being signed and posted.
As to why they are still there?
The statement clearly says why.
They have been faithful generations of Jews.
Last line of defense against European melting pot.
They can trace their families for generations Despite French Alliance group and European funding the conversation of millions of Persian Jews in 30,s 40,s and as a part of their cursed Enlightenment disaster which brought upon European Jews.
They convinced Persian Jews prosperity and inclusion in society if they took their Yamaka off. The cursed European Haskala did a troumendous damage by mass conversions of Iranian Jew by opening jewish schools which teached atheistisim.
Just remember that Shuls in Iran have less govt & private security than many Shuls in America. Why? Because it’s not needed. Iranu
Don’t
Cont.
Iranians see themselves as intelligent, progressive (in their own way), cultured, & educated people with a history of law & order & tolerance of other people’s (as long as they don’t make trouble, hence the letter).
It’s beneath Iranians to vandalize a Shul or randomly attack Jews.
That’s why Jews stay there. It’s not perfect but they don’t worry about day to day Antisemitism like we American Jews do.