Iranian Jewish Leader Differentiates Judaism From Zionism at Interfaith Gathering
Dr. Younes Hamami, a leading rabbi of the Jewish community in Iran, participated in a special interfaith conference titled "Religious Convergence in the Fight Against Global Oppression" held in the city of Mashhad. The event was organized by the Institute for the Study of Sects and Religions and took place on the eve of the funeral of Ali Khamenei. Attended by representatives of various religious minorities, the conference focused on the role of religions in confronting global oppression and protecting the oppressed.
During the gathering, Hamami expressed sorrow over the assassination of the Islamic Revolution leader and the casualties of the recent war. He emphasized the importance of distinguishing between Judaism and Zionism, stating that the core of Judaism lies in the teachings of Israel and the path of Moses, who consistently chose justice in the face of wrongdoing, whether against Egyptians, within his own people, or in defense of strangers.
Hamami further explained that injustice is a deviation from the divine path in Jewish teachings, and all humans, as descendants of Adam, bear mutual responsibility. He stressed that silence in the face of injustice makes one complicit, and ultimate victory belongs to those who act according to God's way of justice and fairness. The interfaith meeting was held just before Ali Khamenei's funeral, where religious representatives shared views on the responsibilities of faiths in combating oppression worldwide.