Iran’s liberalism to her 50,000 Jews and her friendliness to Zionism were described by A. R. Mirfendereski, new consul-general of Iran, in an interview with the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
He said the Jews of the land which was formerly called Persia enjoy full rights, are permitted to raise funds at will for Palestine (there are restrictions in some parts of the Near East) and that many Jews hold Government positions.
“Iran is friendly disposed towards the Jewish national aspirations,” he said. “There is nothing in her code of ethics to antagonize the Jewish people in their movement to secure their national liberation. In the recent Arab disorders and violence in the Holy Land, Iran kept aloof. It took no sides in the unrest. The beneficent neutrality on the part of Iran will not fail to impress Jewry.”
Asked about Jewish immigration, the consul-general declared that “in recent years Iran has opened its gates to Jewish refugees from Afghan- istan, Russia and Germany. The Government has even helped them to go to Palestine. It looks upon the Jews as patriotic and loyal citizens.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
