Iran vs Israel: Ancient Iranian Jewish Community Caught in Rising Conflict
Iran vs Israel One of the oldest Jewish communities in the Middle East is seriously threatened by the growing Iran against Israel conflict. Fears over the safety and future of Iran’s Jewish population are growing as Israel strikes inside the country. Though political environments have changed, this community has coexisted for millennia.
A 2,700-Year-Old Jewish Presence at Risk
Between 17,000 and 25,000 Jews still reside in Iran today, second only to Israel in terms of Jewish population. The most live in Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, Hammedan, and Tabriz. Tehran by itself has over fifty synagogues. Beside the Al Aqsa mosque, a classic emblem of coexistence, is a historic synagogue in Isfahan.
Iran vs Israel Tensions Raise Fears Among Community Leaders
Rising military tensions cause Iranian Jewish leaders growing concern. They worry for the future of the community as well as the security of synagogues and cultural sites. Though legally protected and occupying a reserved seat in Iran’s parliament (Majlis), the mounting Iran and Israel conflict causes great concern.
One rare instance of interfaith cooperation still comes from Tehran’s Jewish hospital. It benefits people of many religions. Still, military operations and continuous airstrikes now endanger even these peaceful institutions.
After the 1979 revolution, a lot of Iranian Jews left. Those who still live have put great effort to protect their religious identity and customs. But as the Iran and Israel conflict gets more heated, the ancient community is once more juggling survival and belonging. Now under fresh danger is this delicate coexistence that has endured centuries of persecution as well as refuge.
