Destruction of Tehran Synagogue Amid US-Israeli Airstrikes

On April 10, 2023, US-Israeli airstrikes resulted in the destruction of the Rafi-Nia Synagogue in Tehran, a significant site for the Jewish community in Iran. Local reports indicate that the synagogue was reduced to rubble during a broader military operation across the city, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of over a dozen individuals. The attack coincided with the Jewish holiday of Passover, heightening its significance for the affected community.

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The airstrikes are part of an ongoing military campaign that began on February 28, 2023, amid rising tensions between Iran and the US-Israeli alliance. Previous attacks have targeted various civilian infrastructures, including schools and hospitals, leading to significant casualties, including children. The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has reported extensive damage to civilian buildings as a result of these operations.

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Rabbi Younes Hammami Lalezar, a leader of Iran's Jewish community, was seen surveying the wreckage of the synagogue alongside emergency responders. Homayoun Sameyah Najafabadi, the representative of the Jewish community in the Iranian Parliament, condemned the attack, stating, “The Zionist regime showed no mercy towards this community during the Jewish holidays.” He emphasized the destruction of the synagogue and the loss of Torah scrolls, which remain buried under the debris.

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Iran's Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Abbas Salehi, expressed deep concern over the attack, calling it "bitter and distressing." He criticized the US and Israel, labeling them as "American-Zionist warmongers" who target religious sites indiscriminately. In contrast, an unnamed Israeli official denied responsibility for the attack, asserting that "Israel doesn’t target synagogues." This statement aligns with previous denials from both the US and Israel regarding their involvement in attacks on civilian sites in Iran.

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Najafabadi accused Israel of exploiting Judaism as a justification for its military actions, particularly in light of the Iranian Jewish community's opposition to the Israeli regime. The attack on the synagogue has sparked outrage within Iran, with officials asserting that such actions are part of a broader strategy to undermine Iranian society and its cultural heritage.

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• “The Zionist regime showed no mercy towards this community during the Jewish holidays and attacked one of our ancient and holy synagogues,” — Homayoun Sameyah Najafabadi, Iranian Parliament Representative

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• “damage and destruction of the Jewish synagogue building in central Tehran is bitter and distressing.” — Abbas Salehi, Iranian Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance

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• “They have targeted the Iranian people, but Iran will remain, and they will be gone.” — Abbas Salehi, Iranian Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance

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The situation remains volatile, with US President Donald Trump having issued threats to target further civilian infrastructure in Iran. His statements suggest a potential escalation in military actions if diplomatic negotiations do not progress, raising concerns about the future of civilian safety in the region.

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