Iran Accommodates Jewish Students Taking High School Exams on Sabbath

In Iran, the national high school final exams this year fell on a Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath, prompting the Iranian Ministry of Education to arrange special accommodations for observant Jewish students. The Tehran Jewish Association announced that school-appointed secretaries would assist Jewish students in writing their exams on the Sabbath, ensuring compliance with religious observance. This assistance is provided free of charge and does not require any formal letter from the welfare ministry. Due to time constraints and existing conditions, the exam dates could not be changed to another day. Students wishing to receive this help must notify their school administration in advance. This practice has been in place in previous years as well.

Avak Yitzhaki, a reporter for the opposition channel Iran International, spoke to ynet about the situation of Jews in Iran. He emphasized that Iranian Jews are not hostages but remain in the country voluntarily, with the freedom to leave if they choose. Yitzhaki noted that the Jewish community has historically aligned with the ruling regimes to protect themselves. He outlined two main perspectives in Israel regarding Iranian Jews: one advocating for their emigration due to their support of the regime and potential future repercussions, and another supporting their continued presence in Iran to preserve a Jewish heritage dating back 3,000 years. Yitzhaki highlighted the community's cultural treasures, including ancient Torah scrolls, some of the oldest synagogues, cemeteries, and the tomb of Esther and Mordechai. He warned that without this community, Iranian Jewry could face a fate similar to that of Afghan Jewry, which has nearly vanished.