Critical Days:
13 Iranian Jews on trial
Background
For over 2 decades, Iran has been ruled by fundamentalist Moslem extremists
who have repressed free speech, opposed any form of true democratic practice,
and ignored human rights issues. This has gone hand-in-hand with their
anti-Western, anti-American position, plus condemnations of Israel combined
with support for Hizbollah in Lebanon, together with the other rejectionist
fronts.
With many of the Jewish community having left Iran for the United States
and Israel, it was deemed appropriate by Israel and the large Jewish community
organizations to show a low profile on the well-being of the remaining
Jews in the capital, Teheran, and smaller towns like Isfahan. To a great
extent, discreet diplomacy initially guided Israel and the Jewish communities'
policy, too, on the trumped-up trial of 13 Iranian Jews, accused of spying
for Israel.
Many states and eminent statesmen have promised and tried to act on behalf
of the 13 Iranian Jews, to ensure that this politically motivated trial
would be fair. The recent changes in the Iranian parliament indicated
a change of atmosphere, and led to hopes of possible moderation in the
political line which would improve the chances that the trial would have
a favorable outcome for the incarcerated members of the Jewish community
and their families. Nevertheless, there has been an absence of signals
which spell hope, and precious time is passing as no changes in trial
procedures have occured and judgment looms nearer.
The Moment is Now
The tightrope in this life or death situation, is decidedly shaky. These
people are innocent of the charges of spying for Israel, they have only
been active in Jewish community life. Antisemitism and Anti-Zionism have
been used before by governments and public figures as a political tool
to terrify Jews from active affiliation to Jewish life. Without intervening
in internal Iranian affairs, we have the right and duty to protest this
travesty of justice a nd many Jewish organizations have now decided to
go beyond diplomatic measures.
Your support will tell their families and the Iranian government that
the world is watching, that it matters what happens in every country.
Please first read a good background file on http://www.adl.org/frames/front_iranian_jews.html
It you don't believe it could happen again, see:
http://cghs.dade.k12.fl.us/holocaust/persecution_europe.htm
http://www.friends-partners.org/partners/beyond-the-pale/english/62.html
Then see how you can do something to help today both personally and in
your community: your support is very urgent http://www.adl.org/issue_israel/Iranian_Jews_action_recommendations.html
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