‘Under the radar’: Jews in Iran try to keep a low profile during war with Israel

The Jewish community in Iran finds itself in a difficult position during the U.S. and Israeli attacks on the Islamic Republic. 

The community has long been pressured to take public stances against Israel, which it has often done in the interest of safety. 

While there are no reports of any change in the regime’s stance towards the Jewish community in Iran, or deterioration in its treatment of Jews, the community has gone into a 'low-profile' mode, according to a report in Ynet News. 

Around 15,000 Jews live in Iran, and according to sources familiar with the situation there, the community is trying to stay “below the radar.” All weddings and mass events have been canceled for the time being in order not to give the impression that the Jews are rejoicing while the nation is being attacked. 

The decision also represents an attempt not to stand out too much or attract attention from hostile elements within Iranian society. 

Additionally, Ynet reported that sources from Jewish communities in various countries, who have connections to Iranian Jewry, have recommended that their communities avoid contacting Iranian Jews, believing it could pose a life-threatening risk.

Dr. Homayoun Sameh, the Jewish representative in the Iranian parliament, reportedly condemned the U.S. and Israeli strike that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at the beginning of the war. 

“The Supreme Leader was busy managing the affairs of the state until the last drop of his blood and unjustly sacrificed his life for the Iranian nation,” Sameh wrote in a letter published last week. 

In the letter, Sameh wrote that Khamenei was assassinated by the “Zionist regime,” which caused “a wave of heavy sorrow and grief in the hearts of the great Iranian nation and the entire free people of the world.” 

“The Iranian Jewish community sends its sincere condolences to the noble Iranian nation, its family, and all lovers of the Islamic Revolution on this heartbreaking and painful loss,” Sameh wrote. “Without a doubt, dear Iran mourns the passing of a wise, patient, and compassionate leader, a personality who dedicated his blessed life to the path of independence, honor and pride of this country and always emphasized national unity, empathy and peaceful coexistence between the followers of divine religions.” 

Sameh has frequently criticized Israel in public statements and has also objected to Iranian leaders using the term ‘Jews’ when referring to Israel’s actions, arguing that the term ‘Zionists’ would be more appropriate.

Following the exchange of hostilities between Israel and Iran in 2024, Sameh said, “Some officials of our country mistakenly use the word 'Jew' instead of 'Zionist' in their statements, which casts a shadow over the Jewish community in Iran.”