A captured community’s survival: Thinking of the Jews of Iran

As a Jewish-Iranian American, the author reflects on a question often posed: if Israel and Iran went to war, which side to support?

After the 1979 Iranian revolution, many Jews emigrated due to persecution. The author, having lived through the changes, firmly supports Israel. Iran’s Jewish population has declined dramatically. The few thousand remaining live under a regime that uses them for propaganda and bargaining.

Despite this, the community quietly maintains religious and cultural traditions. The article captures the emotional burden of caring for family still in Iran and the fear for their safety. It highlights resilience—how these Jews sustain community life amid surveillance.

This piece calls attention to an often-overlooked Jewish diaspora struggling under authoritarian rule.

Read Original Article: eJewish Philanthropy

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