photo #6439916

The first civilian to be murdered by the terrorist Islamic Regime of Iran was head of the Tehran Jewish Society and prominent businessman Habib Elghanian. Today marks the 45th anniversary of Elghanian’s execution. During the tumultuous period between the Shah’s fall and Khomeini’s rise to power, Elghanian made the fateful decision to stay in Iran rather than flee, stating that he wouldn’t abandon the Jewish community who needed him. Sadly, he was arrested a mere 10 days later upon Khomeini’s seizure of power. In a sham trial lasting less than 20 minutes, Elghanian was sentenced to death for “being an ene­my of the friends of God” and “a spy for the Zionists.” He was executed within 24 hours of sentencing, reciting the ‘Shema Israel’ as he was murdered by a firing squad. Following his death, the Islamic Regime refused to release his body for burial and seized his land, businesses and assets. Elghanian’s murder sparked the mass exodus of the Jewish community of Iran. From 100,00 Jews, only 8,000 remain. Today, only 12,000 Jews live in the ME outside of Israel, out of a community that was once over 1 Million. #AntizionismIsAntisemitism