An Iranian Jewish lawmaker has called on the United Nations to take action against Israel following the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut on Friday.
Dr. Homayoun Sameh, who represents Iran’s Jewish community in the country’s parliament, condemned what he referred to as the "criminal Zionist regime" during an interview with Iran’s ISNA news agency. He accused Israel of indiscriminately targeting civilians, saying its military actions have resulted in the deaths of innocent men, women and children.
Sameh also criticized Israel’s claims that its strikes on residential buildings were aimed at destroying weapons stockpiles. He urged the international community to go beyond verbal condemnations and take concrete measures in response to Israel's actions.
In a joint statement, the Jewish communities in Isfahan and Tehran expressed sorrow over Nasrallah’s assassination and extended their condolences. "Nasrallah was killed in a cruel act of the Zionist regime," the statement read.
"The Jewish community in Iran supports the Islamic nation of Iran and mourns the martyrdom of a man who made history for the Lebanese nation. Those responsible for the crime in Beirut, with the backing of the U.S. administration, will face severe vengeance."
Iran’s Jewish community, one of the world’s oldest, has existed for over 2,700 years, dating back to the Assyrian conquest of Jerusalem.
On Thursday, the Jewish community in Tehran marked the reopening of a synagogue, which now includes a seminary, ritual baths, a school and a kosher restaurant.