The ongoing violence in the Middle East raises critical questions about the historical relationship between Jewish and Persian communities. While recent actions by the United States aim to neutralize Iran’s nuclear ambitions, the Iranian regime continues its hostility, particularly towards Israel. This enmity contrasts sharply with the rich historical ties that have existed between Jews and the people of Iran, as well as with Arab Muslims.
Historical Background of Jewish-Persian Relations
Historically, the connection between the Jewish people and the Persian Empire dates back to the sixth century BCE. After the destruction of the First Temple in Jerusalem in 586 BCE, Jews were exiled to Babylon and Persia. The Persian ruler Cyrus the Great played a pivotal role in Jewish history by allowing exiled communities to return to Jerusalem to rebuild their Temple. It is estimated that around 40,000 Jews made this journey, significantly influencing the development of Judaism.
For centuries, Jews thrived in Persia, enjoying relative peace. Following the Muslim conquest in 642 A.D., Jews were considered second-class citizens but often experienced better treatment than their counterparts in Europe. At their peak in 1948, the Jewish population in Iran reached approximately 100,000. However, the 1979 Islamic Revolution marked a drastic shift, leading to persecution, property confiscation, and a mass exodus that reduced the Jewish community to about 9,000 by 2023. Other minority groups, such as the Baháʼí, have faced similar fates.
Contemporary Implications of Historical Hostility
The current Iranian regime’s hostility towards Israel represents a significant departure from a history characterized by coexistence. Instead of building on this legacy, the Iranian government has adopted a hostile stance towards the West and maintained a focus on the elimination of Israel, which is located over 1,000 miles away. Israel, with a land area of approximately 22,000 square miles and a population nearing 10 million, faces a continual threat from Iranian-backed groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.
The Iranian population has also suffered under the regime’s policies, which prioritize hostility over constructive engagement. This situation mirrors the experiences of Jews in other traditionally Arab lands. Under the Ottoman Empire, Jews lived relatively peacefully in regions that now comprise Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. However, the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire in 1918 and subsequent geopolitical changes led to escalating tensions, particularly following the establishment of Israel in 1948. At that time, around 900,000 Jews resided in Arab countries, but today fewer than 10,000 remain.
The modern-day obsession of groups like Hamas and Hezbollah with the destruction of Israel has resulted in severe ramifications for their own populations, as significant resources are diverted away from education and community welfare. The October 7, 2023, attacks from Hamas, along with missile strikes from Hezbollah, highlight the urgent need for Israel to defend itself against existential threats.
Despite the current climate of hostility, history reveals that Jews, Persians, and Arabs have coexisted peacefully for centuries. Shared cultural practices, similar culinary traditions, and mutual aspirations for community prosperity are common threads in the fabric of their interconnected histories. As violence continues to escalate, there remains hope that renewed friendships among these cultures can emerge and flourish once more.
This article reflects the views of William Markson, president of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. The perspectives presented do not necessarily represent those of this publication. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts on this topic through our guest opinion submissions.
