Iranian Jewish Association Condemns US-Israeli Airstrike on Tehran Synagogue During Passover

The Jewish Association of Iran issued a statement on Tuesday condemning a US-Israeli airstrike that destroyed the Rafi-Nia Synagogue in central Tehran. The association expressed solidarity with Iran in defending the country. The strike took place during Passover, one of Judaism's major holidays.

The Rafi-Nia Synagogue is located near Palestine Square in central Tehran. According to reports, the synagogue was demolished when an adjacent residential building was struck. Surrounding homes sustained severe damage.

Iran's Jewish population is the largest in the Middle East outside Israel and has maintained a presence in the country for more than 2,500 years. The community operates synagogues, schools, and other institutions and holds a designated seat in the Iranian Parliament. Homayoun Sameh, the Jewish representative in Iran's Parliament, condemned the strike on Tuesday.

“The Zionist regime showed no mercy towards this community during the Jewish holidays and attacked one of our ancient and holy synagogues.”

" — Homayoun Sameh, to IRIB (Newsweek) Iran's Culture Minister Seyyed Abbas Salehi stated that the attack targeted Iran's religious heritage. Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref described the bombing as an assault on Iran's religious pluralism. Aref noted that Iran has historically provided a safe environment for multiple religious practices.

An Israeli official denied that the strike targeted the synagogue. The official stated that Israel does not target synagogues. The airstrike occurred nearly 40 days into a US-Israeli military campaign launched on February 28.

officials reported that the campaign has killed more than 2,000 people and targeted hospitals, schools, and other civilian infrastructure.