Iranian Jews and Patriotic Opposition to Antisemitism (1950–1990)

In the course and aftermath of World War II, Iranian Jews took an active role in political organizing that was unprecedented. The war years had helped orient the Iranian political scene around the global categories of fascism and anti-fascism. Various forms of far-right Iranian political tendencies spouted antisemitism, while a broad front, including the newly established communist Tudeh Party of Iran, emphasized an anti-fascist identity. Many Jews joined Tudeh and other anti-fascist efforts as they fought off antisemitism. Iranian Jews and their various political tendencies also had an evolving relationship with Zionism, moving from a religious association with the Holy Land to a more political Zionism. After the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, left-leaning Iranian Jews often called for Iran’s recognition of the new state and built solidarity with progressive forces there while criticizing the policies of its leadership. At the same time, they were adamant that Iranian Jews belonged to Iran, and only a small minority of the community migrated to Israel. This talk will focus on a common thread throughout these efforts: opposing antisemitism on the basis of an integrative Iranian patriotism. Iranian Jews asserted both parts of their identities, as Iranians and Jews, confronting exclusionary antisemitism and all other narratives that sought to paint them as not belonging to Iran properly.

Arash Azizi is a historian of modern Middle East and global history of the twentieth century with a focus on social and political movements. He has a PhD from New York University and is the author of The Shadow Commander: Soleimani, the U.S., and Iran’s Global Ambitions and What Iranians Want: Women, Life, Freedom. His upcoming Counterweights: Iran, Israel, and the Battle for the Middle East will be published by Public Affairs. His peer-reviewed articles have been published in Middle Eastern Studies and International Journal of Middle Eastern Studies. He has previously taught at New York University, Clemson University, and Boston University. 

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