\n<\/p>\n
Iran\u2019s Jewish population, now only a fraction of its pre-1979 size, remains the largest in the Middle East outside Israel and, under the Islamic Republic, is often publicly critical of Israel.<\/p>\n
Younes Hamami Lalehzar, a leader of Iran’s Jewish community, pledged allegiance to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei<\/a>, according to footage circulating on social media.<\/p>\n Iranian media reported that the address was made during a Wednesday rally in Tehran\u2019s Enqelab Square<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are happy that the members of the Khamenei Council, who are the followers of Imam Shaheed, have reached this important position and responsibility,\u201d Lalehzar said in the video, adding that Iran\u2019s Jewish community \u201csupports their election and leadership.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe hope that they will be successful in this important responsibility and that they will be a witness to the victory, success, and prosperity of our beloved country, Iran.\u201d<\/p>\n Iran\u2019s Jewish population, now only a fraction of its pre-1979 size, remains the largest in the Middle East outside Israel and, under the constraints of the Islamic Republic, is often publicly critical<\/a> of Israeli policy.<\/p>\n After a synagogue in central Tehran was damaged in a missile strike several weeks ago, Homayoun Sameh, the Jewish representative in the Majles (Iranian parliament), said that \u201cThe Zionist regime showed no mercy towards this community during the Jewish holidays and attacked one of our ancient and holy synagogues.\u201d<\/p>\n One social media post circulated by Iranian-linked accounts after the strike claimed local Jews had said they were \u201cnot surprised\u201d and that \u201canything is possible from Israel.\u201d<\/p>\nIranian Jewish criticism of Israel<\/h3>\n