Jewish member of Iran’s parliament says country has right to self-defense

As the U.S. and Israel launched a violent campaign against Iran and its people, Homayoun Sameh, the Jewish member of Iran’s parliament, spoke out against the Zionist escalation. Sameh has consistently been a strong supporter of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Palestinian resistance for his entire time in parliament. Iran is one of the few countries on the planet with a constitution that requires Jewish representation in its central legislative body. 

In his statement condemning Israel’s campaign against Iranian civilian, nuclear, and military infrastructure, Sameh spoke in support of Iran’s legitimate right to self-defense. An interview from 2023 demonstrates Sameh’s broader ant-zionist Judaism: 

“In various parts of the world, followers of different religions, each from a different race, coexist peacefully. In Palestine itself, Jews, Christians, and Muslims often lived peacefully together throughout history, but it seems like the excessive demands of Israel have disrupted this historical order. Yes, the Israeli regime has sabotaged that peaceful coexistence.

“Of course, the overextending of Zionists is not related to Judaism. They have incorrect understandings of the teachings of Judaism. We here in Iran live peacefully alongside followers of other religions. Imam Khomeini, the founder of Iran’s Islamic Revolution, and the Leader Ayatollah Khamenei have always stressed domestic unity. They do not only mean unity between Muslims or Shias in Iran. They mean unity among all Iranians, regardless of their religion or ethnicity.”

Sameh’s stance is an important reminder that not all Jewish people are defined by Zionism. Jews of conscience around the world will continue to stand up against the U.S. imperialist project known as Israel. We at Struggle-La Lucha stand in solidarity with MP Sameh and the Islamic Republic of Iran in its struggle against U.S. imperialist assault. 

Lev Koufax is an anti-Zionist Jewish activist.