A prominent figure within Iran’s Jewish community, Rabbi Younes Hamami Lalehzar, recently criticized Israel during a televised address on Iranian state television. Speaking in imperfect Hebrew, he expressed his community's adherence to the Torah while rejecting the Israeli government and its policies. The broadcast framed these statements as an alignment with “true Judaism” and a rejection of Zionism, which was portrayed as a deviation from traditional Jewish teachings. His remarks coincided with Iran’s annual Quds Day protests, where members of the Jewish community participated alongside others in condemning Israel.

Rabbi Denounces Zionism Amid National Protests

In a significant moment during one of Iran’s most-watched talk shows, Rabbi Younes Hamami Lalehzar addressed the nation in broken Hebrew, declaring his opposition to the Israeli government. This public statement occurred against the backdrop of Iran’s Quds Day, a day marked by widespread demonstrations condemning Israel and advocating for Palestinian rights. During the live broadcast, Rabbi Hamami Lalehzar emphasized that the Jewish faith, rooted in the teachings of Moses, fundamentally opposes oppression and arrogance. He cited Jewish law, highlighting principles such as protecting civilians even during wartime and prohibiting the destruction of fruit-bearing trees. Furthermore, he equated Zionism with extremist groups like ISIS, asserting that neither accurately represents their respective religions.

From the perspective of a journalist observing this event, it is clear that Rabbi Hamami Lalehzar’s comments reflect a carefully orchestrated narrative by the Iranian regime. While presented as a genuine expression of faith, they likely serve political purposes, reinforcing Iran’s stance against Israel. For readers, this situation underscores the complex interplay between religious identity and state influence, raising questions about the autonomy of minority voices in politically charged environments. It also highlights the challenges faced by religious communities navigating their identities amidst nationalistic and ideological conflicts.