Jews in Iran, היהודים באיראן

It's interesting to note that the Jewish community in Iran is by far pretty large, 25,000. These Jews are "protected" under Shariah Law, which has both advantages and disadvantages.  However, they are supposedly not harrassed unless being accused as spying for Israel, the state.  Due to the Islamic regime, more Jews have done teshuva and returned to Hashem in Iran.  The married women cover their hair (with scarves) thus, according to our holy Sages (including The Chofetz Chaim) brings blessings to the community.  If the married Jewish women in SOI (State of Israel) were to cover their hair too, they also would bring blessings to SOI.  But alas, that's not so.

There are tombs of tzadikim in Iran today - - Daniel, Mordechai, Ester, Habakuk, Chananiah, Mishael and Azariah. Watch the 3rd video below.

There are four Jewish charity hospitals in Iran, owned by Jews but employ both Jews and moslems.  Jews apparently are doing well in this country, living under Moslem rule.  If Iran were to take over the SOI today, would the Jews be safer in Israel or in Iran?  Probably in Iran, as long as you live with a low profile and not say anything against the regime. Well, this is true too in Israel -- limited free speech.  Ok, SOI will allow Arab Moslems to speak out against Israel, but will not allow Jews to speak out against Israel.  So, which is better? Living under Zionist rule, or under Islamic rule?

Many Iranian Jews made aliyah and were disappointed, the same way, many American Jews who made aliyah and were disappointed as well for similar reasons.

Some Iranian Jews have come to Israel only to be disappointed because of the lack of religious observance and the immodesty that prevails on the street. They are bothered especially by the rude and rowdy behavior that the kids pick up in the schools. They make the mistake thinking that the Israeli secular school is similar to the schools in Iran where modesty and respect are part of the daily life. Unfortunately, they are disturbed to see the disgraceful manner in which their children begin to behave when they enter the secular Israeli school system. On the other hand they do not want to send their children to the religious schools because they want their children to have a strong secular education. Source: JewishMag

Regardless, living under Islamic rule, would require the Jewish women to be modest.  That is most important. Modesty brings blessings, regardless of whether you are in Israel, in America or in Iran.  The disadvantages are due to shariah law, discrimination against non-moslems in various areas of work and government is apparent, similar to many other shariah-law governments.

Here are few videos showing Jewish life in Iran, from various points of view.








And lastly, a secular video about the Cyrus Cylinder, which contains the history of the Persian Jews during Cyrus' permission to let the Jews return to Israel to rebuild the Temple. However, that was short-lived, as when the Jews left, the Persian economics collapsed and the Jews who haven't yet crossed the Euphrates River (to the west) had to be recalled. You can imagine Wall Street collapsing because there's no Jew left there.




Finally, a worldwide Tehillim invite to recite these chapters - 28,32,79,92 and 22 - tomorrow, on Taanis  Esther at 11 am your local time for unity.