Français
Español
English
Portuguese
U.S. Jewish groups denounced an arson attack at the Tomb of Esther and Mordechai in Iran.
By Algemeiner Staff
Several top US Jewish groups denounced on Friday a reported arson attack at the Tomb of Esther and Mordechai in Hamadan, Iran.
The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations said in a statement that it was “outraged” by the incident.
“This abhorrent and unconscionable act represents not only a blatantly anti-Semitic assault on Jews and Judaism, but an assault on all people of faith,” the statement noted. “It must be unequivocally condemned by the international community. The government of Iran must act to prevent further attacks and bring to justice those responsible.”
Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt tweeted, “We hope that the authorities bring the perpetrators of this anti-Semitic act to justice & commit to protecting the holy sites of all religious minorities in Iran.”
The Simon Wiesenthal Center said, “Historically, Muslims safeguarded Jewish holy sites from Persia to Morocco, including the Tomb of Esther and Mordechai. But all that has changed under the ayatollahs and the terrorist movements they have spawned.”
“The torching of this Jewish holy site is reminiscent of the Nazis, who not only killed the living, but desecrated the dead,” it added. “The attack took place against the backdrop of the mullahocracy’s drumbeat of genocidal hatred against the Jewish people, its state-sponsored policy of Holocaust denial and denigration. In such an environment a violent attack against Jews, Judaism and Jewish heritage should surprise no one.”
“We urge all world leaders to condemn this cowardly anti-Semitic attack and Iran’s serial anti-Semitic policies,” the Simon Wiesenthal Center concluded.
B’nai B’rith International said, “There is a direct path from Tehran’s sinister embrace of anti-Semitism to the desecration of this important religious site. We call for an investigation by the United Nations into the desecration of the tomb. Ahmed Shaheed, the UN special rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, authored a report on anti-Semitism in the fall and is familiar with Iran’s deeply entrenched anti-Semitism. We ask that he pursue this matter with great urgency. The international community must pressure Iran to protect Jewish holy sites.”
Elan Carr — the US special envoy for monitoring and combating anti-Semitism — said, “Iran’s regime is the world’s chief state sponsor of anti-Semitism. It must stop incitement and protect its Jewish community and other minorities.”
HELP ISRAELIS BATTLE CORONA!
Donate to the Corona Emergency Relief Fund. Coronavirus has taken a huge toll on the people of Israel. The poor, elderly and ill are most vulnerable.
Israeli soldiers, security officers and medical care providers operate under great danger and risk to life.
Over 1 million Israelis are out of work. Many cannot make ends meet. We provide financial aid, food, medical supplies and more. Funds are distributed where needed most. The time to act is now!
United with Israel extends a special note of appreciation to the Genesis Prize for their generous support.
Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!
Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!
Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.
Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!
