By Miriam Gershonson
SAN DIEGO — The story of Arvin Nathaniel Ghahremani is a haunting reminder of the challenges faced by Jews in Iran. In 2022, at the age of 18, Ghahremani found himself in a violent altercation that would ultimately cost him his life, not because of justice, but because of systemic prejudice.
Arvin was ambushed by seven Muslim men, one of whom, Amir Shokri, brandished a knife. In a tragic twist, Shokri was fatally injured, reportedly during a scuffle over a debt he owed Ghahremani. Despite his injuries, Ghahremani tried to help Shokri, but his efforts were in vain.
What followed was a trial steeped in bias. Evidence supporting Ghahremani’s defense was disregarded, and his Jewish faith became a pivotal factor in his conviction. Iran’s judicial system, which prioritizes Muslims over religious minorities, sentenced him to “qisas,” or “eye for an eye.” Although Shokri’s family initially expressed willingness to accept “diya” (blood money), they changed their stance upon learning of Ghahremani’s Jewish identity.
Jewish communities worldwide rallied to save Ghahremani, raising over $1.5 million and even offering to build a mosque in Shokri’s honor. Despite these efforts, Shokri’s family refused to accept diya, sealing Ghahremani’s fate. His execution, scheduled for May 2024, was postponed after international intervention. However, on November 4, 2024, he was executed without prior notice to his family. Some believe the timing was linked to escalating tensions following an Israeli attack on Iran in October 2024.
Ghahremani’s story raises questions about the lives of Jews in Iran. Why do they remain in a country with a history of discrimination and a violent regime? Dr. Mordechai Kedar, a Middle East expert, shed light on the complexities of their situation during a recent visit to San Diego.
Jews in Iran are considered a protected minority, with legal status and even one reserved seat in parliament. However, this protection is limited and often symbolic. Iranian Jews face systemic discrimination, including:
– Restrictions on holding significant government or judicial positions.
– Government-appointed Muslim overseers for Jewish schools.
– Legal inheritance laws favoring Muslim converts over Jewish family members.
– Fear of accusations of Zionism, which can result in execution.
These conditions force Iranian Jews to publicly condemn Israel to avoid suspicion and retaliation.
Emigrating from Iran is fraught with obstacles. Jews must submit passports and visa requests to a special department, with no guarantee of approval. Family members are often deliberately separated in the process, deterring many from attempting to leave. Even if approved, Iranian Jews are prohibited from taking their assets, leaving them financially destitute.
While some choose to remain, preserving their heritage in the land of their ancestors, they do so at great personal risk. The global Jewish community must continue to advocate for those living under oppression, ensuring that stories like Ghahremani’s are neither forgotten nor in vain.
Ghahremani’s tragic death serves as a call to action, a plea for justice, and a reminder of the resilience of a people who have endured generations of hardship. May his memory be a blessing and a catalyst for change.
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Miriam Gershenson is a freelance writer.