Jewish Community Leader in Shiraz Attends Funeral of Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei

Amir Ala Salari, chairman of the Jewish community in Shiraz, Iran, participated in the funeral ceremonies of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The Jewish community in Iran continues to demonstrate full loyalty to Tehran's official line. Following Khamenei's death, a delegation from Shiraz's Jewish community took part in the mass memorial and funeral events. Salari praised Khamenei's leadership, stating that since the beginning of the Islamic Republic era, Khamenei showed special regard for monotheistic religions, particularly the Jewish community. He cited the regime's traditional distinction, originating from Ayatollah Khomeini, that "Judaism is entirely separate from Zionism," which he said created a safe environment for religious minorities in Iran.

Salari's statement focused heavily on the transition of power in Tehran. He sharply condemned the circumstances of Khamenei's death, calling it a "despicable killing by the American-Israeli enemy," and immediately declared the community's loyalty to Khamenei's successor, his son Mojtaba Khamenei. Mojtaba, who has taken the reins of leadership, has been largely absent from public view since the military campaign began in February. The Jewish community leader's support is seen as part of the minority's obligation to show full solidarity with the new regime during this leadership change.

To reinforce the community's patriotism, Salari recalled the Jewish community's contributions and sacrifices during the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s. He noted that their efforts were recognized at the time by a visit from revolutionary leader Khomeini to the Abrahamic religions memorial, a gesture intended to demonstrate fraternity and equality among religious groups in Iran.