After weeks of widespread internet shutdowns across Iran, sources close to the Jewish community in the Islamic Republic say the community’s situation remains stable. According to those sources, there have been no injuries or fatalities among Jews, as community members are not participating in the protests out of loyalty to the regime.
In recent days, reports circulated on social media claiming that members of Iran’s Jewish community had been killed during the unrest. Community sources strongly denied those claims, saying the information was false.
At the same time, several Jews were detained on suspicion of involvement in the protests. The Jewish community denies any connection to the mass demonstrations, which, according to reports, have left thousands dead. Community representatives say the detainees were arrested by mistake and expressed hope that they will be released soon.
Despite the unrest, daily Jewish life in Iran has continued as normally as possible. Prayer services and Torah classes have been held by rabbis and community leaders, synagogues remain open, and schools are operating as usual, including Jewish studies.
Meanwhile, representatives of Iran’s recognized religious minorities, including the Jewish member of Iran’s parliament, Homayoun Sameyah Najafabadi, issued a statement expressing support for the Iranian regime and condemning Israel and the United States.
“Following the hatred shown by the U.S. government and the usurping Zionist regime, and their actions against our beloved homeland Iran, religious communities of all faiths in Iran strongly condemn their evil deeds,” the statement said.
A protest in Tehran on January 9
(Video: Reuters)
The declaration further claimed that U.S. and Israeli actions were aimed not at concern for Iran or its people, but at creating chaos, insecurity, inciting Iran’s youth, and conducting psychological warfare.
The statement added that Iranians of all races, religions and ethnic backgrounds are united under the leadership of Iran’s supreme leader and are committed to defending the country’s territorial integrity and national security, while condemning what it described as the “inhumane and terrorist actions” of hostile governments.
Representatives of the religious minorities also expressed condolences to the families of those killed in the unrest, thanked the Iranian public for its support of the Islamic Republic and its leadership, and said they were confident the Iranian people would continue to defend the country’s independence and dignity in unity and solidarity.