Unveiling Antisemitism In Iran: Ideology, History, And Geopolitics

Sherwood Wisoky 17 Jun 2025

Antisemitism in Iran is a complex and deeply rooted issue, intertwining historical narratives, religious interpretations, and the geopolitical ambitions of the Islamic Republic. While Jewish people have called Iran home for nearly 3,000 years, establishing one of the oldest continuous Jewish communities outside of Israel, the post-1979 Islamic Revolution era has seen a dramatic shift in the state's official stance towards Jews and Israel, often manifesting as overt antisemitism. This shift is not merely a political tactic but, as some analysts suggest, ignores a fundamental motivation of Iran’s theocracy, where antisemitism has become an integral part of its ideological framework and foreign policy.

Understanding this phenomenon requires a nuanced look at the historical trajectory of Jewish life in Iran, the ideological underpinnings of the current regime, and the various ways in which antisemitic rhetoric and policies have been propagated. From Holocaust denial to the conflation of Judaism with Zionism, the Iranian state's approach has had profound implications both domestically for its Jewish citizens and internationally for its relations with the wider world. This article delves into these facets, examining the historical context, the ideological drivers, and the geopolitical ramifications of antisemitism as practiced and promoted by the Iranian government.

A Historical Home: The Jewish Community in Iran
The Ideological Roots of State-Sponsored Antisemitism
Holocaust Denial: A Propaganda Tool
The Conflation of Zionism and Judaism: A Dangerous Narrative
Geopolitical Ramifications and International Reactions
Beyond Denial: Understanding the Nuances
- The Historical Role of Iranians in the Holocaust
- Distinguishing State Policy from Public Sentiment
Addressing Antisemitism: A Global Imperative
- The Challenge of Confronting State-Sponsored Hate
- The Role of International Dialogue and Pressure

A Historical Home: The Jewish Community in Iran

For millennia, Iran has been home to one of the world's oldest and most historically significant Jewish communities. Jewish people have called Iran home for nearly 3,000 years, predating the rise of Islam and even Christianity in the region. This long and rich history saw periods of both prosperity and persecution, but the community consistently maintained its presence, contributing significantly to Iranian culture and society. Prior to the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran was home to the largest Jewish population in the Middle East outside of Israel, estimated to be around 80,000 to 100,000 individuals.

However, the landscape for this ancient community drastically changed after the revolution. The establishment of the Islamic Republic, with its anti-Zionist and increasingly antisemitic rhetoric, created an environment of fear and uncertainty for Iranian Jews. Shortly after the Islamic Revolution in 1979, a few Iranian Jews were accused of spying for Israel and executed. These executions, often based on dubious charges, sent a chilling message through the community. The new regime’s hostility towards Israel, which it viewed as an illegitimate entity, was frequently conflated with hostility towards Jews themselves, blurring the lines between political opposition and religious prejudice.

The immediate aftermath of the revolution saw a mass exodus. An estimated 35,000 Iranian Jews left Iran soon after, seeking refuge primarily in Israel, the United States, and Europe. This significant emigration dramatically reduced the community's size. Today, the Islamic Republic of Iran is home to a Jewish community of about 10,000, making it still the largest Jewish community in the Middle East outside of Israel. Despite their diminished numbers, this community maintains a precarious existence, officially recognized as a religious minority with a designated seat in the Iranian parliament, yet subject to pervasive discrimination and suspicion, particularly concerning their ties to Israel. Their continued presence is a testament to their deep historical roots in the country, even as they navigate the complexities of a state that often demonizes their co-religionists abroad.

The Ideological Roots of State-Sponsored Antisemitism

The antisemitism propagated by the Iranian regime is not merely a byproduct of political expediency; it is, as many scholars argue, deeply embedded within the fundamental motivations of Iran’s theocracy. The ideological framework laid down by Imam Khomeini and continued by his successors views the Islamic Revolution as a pivotal event with global, even eschatological, significance. Imam Khomeini gave us the promise that the Islamic Revolution of Iran is the beginning of the revolution of Imam Mahdi, linking the political aspirations of the state to a broader, messianic vision.

Within this worldview, the conflict with Israel and, by extension, with what the regime often conflates as "Judaism," takes on an existential dimension. The confrontation between Judaism and Zionism and Islam will be the final point of the war in human history. This perspective elevates the conflict beyond mere territorial or political disputes, framing it as a cosmic battle between good and evil, with "Zionism" (often a thinly veiled stand-in for Judaism) cast as the ultimate antagonist. This apocalyptic framing justifies extreme rhetoric and actions, portraying the destruction of Israel as a divine imperative rather than a political goal.

This ideological underpinning allows for the seamless integration of classic antisemitic tropes into state propaganda. As Choksey notes in "Antisemitism’s Permutation in the Islamic Republic of Iran," the regime has skillfully adapted traditional antisemitic themes to fit its revolutionary narrative. This includes the portrayal of Jews as conspiratorial, globally influential, and inherently hostile to Islam. The distinction between Judaism as a religion and Zionism as a political movement is deliberately blurred, ensuring that criticism of Israeli policies morphs into a broader condemnation of Jewish people. This conflation is crucial for understanding how the Iranian state can claim to protect its own Jewish minority while simultaneously promoting virulent antisemitism on the international stage. The ideological commitment to this narrative ensures its persistence, regardless of shifting geopolitical landscapes or diplomatic overtures.

Holocaust Denial: A Propaganda Tool

Perhaps one of the most egregious manifestations of antisemitism in Iran is the state's persistent and official policy of Holocaust denial and mockery. Holocaust denial by Iranian officials has presented a negative image of Iran and Iranians around the world, overshadowing the important role played by Iranians in helping the victims and survivors of the Holocaust during World War II. This historical irony is particularly poignant, as individuals like Abdol Hossein Sardari, an Iranian diplomat in Paris during the war, famously issued Iranian passports to thousands of Jews, saving them from Nazi persecution. Yet, the current regime actively works to erase or undermine this legacy.

The Islamic Republic continues to deny and mock the Holocaust, a policy that serves multiple propaganda objectives. By questioning the historical veracity of the Holocaust, the regime aims to delegitimize Israel's existence, which it argues is founded on a fabricated narrative of Jewish suffering. This denial also positions Iran as a defiant voice against what it perceives as Western historical narratives, appealing to certain segments of the global anti-establishment movement. Denial and mockery continue in Iran, with high-ranking officials repeatedly engaging in this revisionist history.

A notable example of this policy was the international meeting of Holocaust deniers in Tehran in 2006. This conference, ostensibly a "review of the Holocaust: global vision," brought together notorious deniers from around the world, providing them with a state-sponsored platform to disseminate their hateful views. Following this meeting, Iranian exile Ladan Boroumand published a statement deploring the fact that denial of the Holocaust has become a propaganda tool for Iran's leaders today. Her condemnation highlighted the calculated nature of this policy, aimed at bolstering the regime's anti-Western and anti-Israeli stance.

The highest echelons of Iranian leadership have actively participated in this denial. In the past, on the same platform, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has denied the Holocaust and compared it to other historical events, trivializing its unique horror and scale. Such statements from the Supreme Leader underscore the official nature of this antisemitic policy. Scholars like Litvak, in "The Islamic Republic of Iran and the Holocaust," have extensively documented how this denial serves as a core component of the regime's anti-Zionist and antisemitic ideology, aiming to strip Israel of its moral legitimacy and undermine the historical narrative that underpins much of international support for the Jewish state. This deliberate distortion of history is a powerful and dangerous form of antisemitism, designed to sow doubt and foster hatred on a global scale.

The Conflation of Zionism and Judaism: A Dangerous Narrative

A cornerstone of the Iranian regime's antisemitic discourse is the deliberate and systematic conflation of Zionism with Judaism. While Zionism is a political movement advocating for Jewish self-determination and a Jewish state, the Iranian government consistently blurs this distinction, presenting "Zionism" as an inherent characteristic of all Jewish people, thereby transforming political opposition to Israel into religious hatred against Jews. This dangerous narrative has tangible consequences, both within Iran and globally.

Within Iran, this conflation has led to direct accusations against Jewish individuals. In Iran, there have been instances where such accusations have been made against Jewish individuals, often charging them with spying for Israel. These accusations, frequently lacking credible evidence, serve to intimidate the Jewish community and reinforce the state's narrative that Iranian Jews are inherently disloyal or agents of a foreign power. The executions of several Iranian Jews shortly after the 1979 revolution on similar charges illustrate the grave dangers posed by this conflation.

Moreover, the Iranian regime frequently employs classic antisemitic tropes and texts to bolster its narrative. The notorious "Protocols of the Elders of Zion," a fabricated antisemitic text purporting to reveal a Jewish plan for global domination, has been promoted and referenced in state-controlled media and official discourse. The use of such a foundational antisemitic text demonstrates the regime's willingness to tap into centuries-old prejudices to fuel its contemporary agenda. As Soli Shahvar discusses in "The Islamic Regime in Iran and its Attitude Toward the Jews," and Macdonald explores in "Understanding Jewish Influence," these narratives often portray Jewish people as manipulative, powerful, and conspiratorial, echoing historical antisemitic stereotypes that have led to persecution throughout history.

By equating Zionism with a global Jewish conspiracy, the Iranian regime not only justifies its hostility towards Israel but also demonizes Jewish communities worldwide. This rhetorical strategy creates an environment where criticism of Israel easily morphs into generalized antisemitism, fostering prejudice and hatred. It allows the regime to claim it is merely anti-Zionist while simultaneously disseminating deeply antisemitic content, thereby insulating itself from accusations of religious bigotry. This deliberate blurring of lines is a potent tool in the regime's ideological arsenal, enabling it to maintain a consistent narrative of external Jewish threat that underpins much of its domestic and foreign policy.

Geopolitical Ramifications and International Reactions

The Iranian regime's commitment to antisemitism has significant geopolitical ramifications, influencing its foreign policy, its relations with other nations, and the broader regional stability. This ideological stance is not merely an internal matter but a core component of how Iran projects itself onto the world stage, particularly concerning its interactions with Western powers and Israel.

The issue of antisemitism frequently surfaces in discussions about Iran's nuclear program and diplomatic efforts. As the Biden administration resumes its efforts to persuade Iran to rejoin the 2015 nuclear deal, it is worth remembering the Iranian regime's commitment to antisemitism. For many international observers and policymakers, Iran's persistent antisemitic rhetoric and policies are not peripheral issues but indicators of its fundamental character and long-term intentions. They raise concerns about the regime's trustworthiness and its potential use of any acquired power against its perceived enemies, including Israel.

Israel, in particular, views Iran's antisemitism as an existential threat, drawing parallels to historical genocidal regimes. The tendency of Israeli politicians to compare Iran to Nazi Germany is nothing new. For instance, Israel's former U.S. Ambassador, Danny Ayalon, in an interview with Sky News in 2023, stated, "Iran is like a Nazi regime, with the same global aspirations and destructive tendencies as the German Reich under the Nazi party, and there has to be a reckoning for Iran." This comparison, while strong, reflects a deeply held conviction within Israel that Iran's antisemitic ideology, coupled with its pursuit of nuclear capabilities and regional proxies, poses a direct threat to the Jewish state's survival. This perception fuels Israel's determination to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and influences its military and diplomatic strategies.

Beyond Israel, global lawmakers frequently denounce 'antisemitic violence' and rhetoric, often pointing to Iran as a significant source of state-sponsored hate. While the Trump administration, for instance, condemned the killing of two Israeli embassy staff in D.C. (an incident that, while tragic, is part of a broader context of global antisemitic violence and not directly tied to Iranian state actions in the data provided, but highlights the general climate of concern), the broader international community has consistently expressed alarm over Iran's official antisemitism. This condemnation often takes the form of resolutions, diplomatic pressure, and sanctions aimed at curtailing Iran's malign activities and its promotion of hatred. The regime's antisemitic stance complicates its efforts to engage with the international community, particularly with countries that prioritize human rights and religious freedom, making it a persistent point of contention in global diplomacy.

Beyond Denial: Understanding the Nuances

While the state-sponsored antisemitism of the Iranian regime is undeniable and deeply concerning, it is crucial to approach this topic with nuance, distinguishing between the actions and rhetoric of the government and the broader historical and societal realities of Iran. A simplistic view risks overlooking important distinctions and historical complexities.

The Historical Role of Iranians in the Holocaust

One of the most significant nuances to consider is the historical contrast between the current regime's Holocaust denial and the actions of Iranians during World War II. As mentioned earlier, Holocaust denial by Iranian officials has presented a negative image of Iran and Iranians around the world, overshadowing the important role played by Iranians in helping the victims and survivors of the Holocaust. This is exemplified by figures like Abdol Hossein Sardari, an Iranian diplomat in Paris, who, at great personal risk, issued hundreds of Iranian passports to Jews, saving them from the Nazi extermination machine. His actions, documented in films and historical accounts, represent a humanitarian legacy that stands in stark contrast to the contemporary state's policies. To learn more about Abdol Hossein Sardari and Iran's legacy on the Holocaust, one can explore various historical resources. This historical reality underscores that the current regime's antisemitism is a specific ideological construct of the Islamic Republic, not an inherent characteristic of the Iranian people or their historical relationship with Jews.

Distinguishing State Policy from Public Sentiment

Another critical distinction lies between the official state policy and the sentiments of the Iranian populace. While the regime propagates antisemitic narratives through state media and educational institutions, it does not necessarily reflect the views of all, or even most, Iranians. Many Iranians, particularly younger generations, are often critical of the regime's ideological stances and its isolationist policies. There is evidence of a disconnect between the government's rhetoric and the lived experiences and opinions of ordinary citizens, who may harbor no animosity towards Jews and may even express admiration for historical Jewish-Iranian cultural ties. The continued existence of a Jewish community of about 10,000 in Iran, despite the pressures, also suggests a degree of societal tolerance that exists beneath the official state narrative. Understanding this distinction is vital for avoiding generalizations about an entire nation based solely on the actions of its ruling elite. It also opens avenues for engagement that bypass the regime's ideological barriers, fostering people-to-people connections that could, in the long term, contribute to a more tolerant future.

Addressing Antisemitism: A Global Imperative

The persistence and nature of antisemitism in Iran, particularly its state-sponsored dimension, pose a significant challenge to the international community. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach that acknowledges its deep ideological roots while also seeking avenues for pressure and dialogue.

The Challenge of Confronting State-Sponsored Hate

Confronting antisemitism when it is embedded within the core ideology of a state, as is the case with Iran, presents unique difficulties. Unlike individual acts of prejudice, state-sponsored antisemitism leverages national resources, educational systems, and media outlets to disseminate hatred on a massive scale. This makes it incredibly resilient and difficult to counteract through conventional means. The regime's conflation of Judaism and Zionism, coupled with its Holocaust denial, serves to delegitimize Israel and demonize Jewish people globally, fueling extremist narratives beyond Iran's borders. As explored in scholarly works such as "Old themes and new trends in volume 2 confronting antisemitism from the perspectives of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism," edited by Armin Lange, Kerstin Mayerhofer, Dina Porat, and Lawrence H. Schiffman, understanding the historical and theological permutations of antisemitism is crucial for developing effective countermeasures. The challenge lies in dismantling an ideological construct that is central to the regime's self-identity and its revolutionary narrative.

The Role of International Dialogue and Pressure

Given the pervasive nature of Iran's state-sponsored antisemitism, international pressure and dialogue remain critical tools. This involves consistent condemnation from global leaders and international bodies, highlighting the human rights implications of such policies. Sanctions, diplomatic isolation, and public awareness campaigns can play a role in increasing the cost of antisemitic behavior for the regime. Furthermore, supporting civil society initiatives within Iran that promote tolerance and interfaith dialogue, even if challenging, can help counter the official narrative from within. Educational initiatives that promote accurate historical accounts of the Holocaust and Jewish history, particularly those that highlight the positive historical interactions between Iranians and Jews, can also serve as a counter-narrative to the regime's propaganda. While direct engagement with the Iranian government on this issue is often fraught with difficulty, maintaining channels for communication, even while applying pressure, is essential to prevent further escalation and to advocate for the rights and safety of the Jewish community within Iran and globally.

Conclusion

The issue of antisemitism in Iran is a deeply entrenched and multifaceted problem, extending far beyond mere political rhetoric to form a fundamental component of the Islamic Republic's ideological identity. From the tragic executions and mass emigration of Iranian Jews following the 1979 revolution to the pervasive state-sponsored Holocaust denial and the dangerous conflation of Zionism with Judaism, the regime's actions have created a hostile environment for its own Jewish citizens and fueled global antisemitic narratives. This state-sponsored hatred has profound geopolitical implications, influencing international relations and shaping regional conflicts, particularly with Israel.

However, it is crucial to remember the historical complexities and nuances, acknowledging the long and rich history of Jewish life in Iran and distinguishing between the regime's policies and the sentiments of the Iranian people. The humanitarian actions of individuals like Abdol Hossein Sardari during the Holocaust stand as a testament to a different Iranian legacy, one that the current government actively seeks to suppress. Addressing antisemitism in Iran requires a sustained and comprehensive international effort, combining firm condemnation with strategic engagement, aimed at challenging the ideological foundations of this hatred and advocating for a future where tolerance prevails.

We invite you to share your thoughts on this critical issue in the comments below. What do you believe are the most effective ways for the international community to address state-sponsored antisemitism? Your insights are valuable in fostering a deeper understanding of these complex challenges. For more articles exploring the intersection of geopolitics, human rights, and religious freedom, please explore other content on our site.

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