Jews of Isfahan decry Israeli strikes, back Iran's response
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As Israeli aggression against Iran escalates, the Jewish community of Isfahan publicly condemned the strikes, expressed solidarity with Iranian victims, supported the state's right to respond, and reaffirmed its rooted national identity as part of Iran’s officially recognized and protected Jewish minority.
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In this Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014 photo, an Iranian Jewish man holds a Torah scroll at the Molla Agha Baba Synagogue, in the city of Yazd 420 miles (676 kilometers) south of capital Tehran, Iran (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)
The Jewish community of Isfahan on Monday spoke out against recent Israeli military aggression targeting Iran, expressing sorrow over civilian casualties and voicing support for the Iranian government's anticipated response, according to a report by IRNA.
"The Zionists' brutality, which is far from any human morality and has caused the martyrdom of a number of our beloved compatriots, including innocent children, has hurt all of our hearts," the statement read.
The community further expressed confidence in the Iranian state's ability to respond forcefully: "We are confident that the Islamic Republic of Iran, proud and honorable, will give a crushing and regretful response to the Zionist regime and will make it regret its shameful actions."
Protected Minority
The Islamic Republic has long maintained a formal recognition of the Jewish community as a protected religious minority, with guaranteed parliamentary representation in the Iranian Majles.
Iran is also home to the largest Jewish population in the Middle East outside of "Israel." The government funds Jewish schools, synagogues, and community centers, and has consistently condemned anti-Semitism while distinguishing it from anti-Zionism.
Prominent Jewish leaders in Iran have often reaffirmed that their loyalty lies with their country, not with "Israel," and many Jewish Iranians openly criticize Israeli policies without fear of persecution.
IRNA reports that approximately 3,000 Jews currently reside in Iran, with Isfahan home to around 1,200 and 16 active synagogues. External estimates suggest the total Jewish population may be closer to 8,500, mainly concentrated in Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz. Prior to the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the country was home to a Jewish population nearing 100,000.
Read more: 'Israel' bombs Iranian hospital, escalating civilian targeting
On June 13, "Israel" launched a large-scale and unprovoked aerial assault on Iran, striking over 250 locations across the country, including nuclear sites, IRGC bases, energy infrastructure, and densely populated areas in Tehran and Isfahan.
The attack killed several hundred people, among them senior military officials, nuclear scientists, and civilians, including women and children. In response, Iran initiated Operation True Promise III, unleashing successive waves of ballistic missiles and drones that struck targets in major Israeli cities such as Tel Aviv, Haifa, and occupied al-Quds, causing dozens of deaths and widespread damage.
While Israeli officials claimed success in degrading Iran's military capabilities, Iran's counterstrikes inflicted unprecedented losses, revealing vulnerabilities in "Israel's" defense systems.
The confrontation has escalated into the most intense direct conflict between the two parties to date, prompting global concern over regional destabilization and calls for urgent de-escalation.
