Iranian Jewish Community Participates in Khamenei Funeral Amid Calls for Religious Respect

Homayoun Samah, representative of the Jewish community in Iran, confirmed that the community and other religious minorities are participating in the funeral and memorial events for Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the recent 'Roaring Lion' war. Samah stated that, in coordination with the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance and minority representatives, they aim to attend all related ceremonies. He noted that foreign diplomats, political and religious figures, and minority representatives have been invited to the farewell events.

Samah emphasized Khamenei's paternal attitude toward religious minorities, especially the Jewish community, highlighting his efforts to protect their civil rights and dignity despite sensitivities following the 12-day war with Israel. He recalled that both Khamenei and the late Ayatollah Khomeini distinguished between Iranian Jews and the Zionist movement, preventing misconceptions from spreading within the country.

He recounted sending a letter to the late leader about media misrepresentations conflating Judaism with Zionism, which led to a clear directive to criticize Zionists, not Jews. Recently, Samah sent a letter to the current leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, addressing renewed concerns over similar issues, which resulted in a reduction of such incidents and greater media sensitivity.

Samah expressed that the Jewish community sees itself as an integral part of the Iranian nation, sharing in the mourning of the late leader. He expressed hope that under Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei's leadership, respect, peace, and mutual understanding among all religious groups in Iran will continue to strengthen.