On the evening of 6 April, members of Tehran’s Jewish community gathered at the Rafi’ Nia synagogue for a Passover service, despite an ongoing US-Israeli bombing campaign. The atmosphere was subdued but reverent, with Torah verses recited and prayers murmured. Just hours later, an Israeli airstrike completely destroyed the building. The Israeli army described the destruction as “collateral damage” from a strike targeting a commander, but community members expressed anger and outrage.
The morning after, synagogue members sifted through rubble, recovering a handful of religious books and three Torah scrolls. Much was lost, including historical volumes. Homayoun Sameh, a member of parliament and head of the Jewish Association of Iran, condemned the attack, stating it “disrespects our faith” and that the community does not have good relations with the Israeli government. No one was injured, though a staff member was in the office at the time.
Iran’s Jewish community is the largest and oldest in the Middle East outside Israel, dating back about 2,500 years. The US-Israeli war has highlighted their unique dual identity as both Iranian and Jewish, caught in a conflict that Israel claims is fought to protect Jews. While Iranian officials have used antisemitic language, the government maintains its hostility is directed at Israel as a state, not Jews as people.
Following the 1979 revolution, the Jewish population dropped from about 100,000 to 10,000-15,000, mostly in Tehran, Isfahan and Shiraz. Many fled due to turmoil and confusion with Zionists. Others stayed, like Chief Rabbi Younes Hamami Lalehzar, whose family has been proudly both Iranian and Jewish. Today, the community maintains about 30 synagogues, schools, kosher restaurants and supermarkets.
Judaism is constitutionally recognised and protected in Iran, though Jews are barred from certain high government or military positions. External observers note that many Jews are cautious, with self-censorship common, and opinions on Zionism vary widely within the community.
