The Perils of Antisemitism: How Iran's Hatred is Its Own Undoing

The Crippling Impact of Antisemitism on Iran

Iran's current upheaval offers a sobering reminder: a regime that equates its identity with the hatred of another nation, particularly Israel, is sowing the seeds of its own destruction. The chant resonating through the protests—“Neither Gaza nor Lebanon, my life for Iran”—distills this sentiment perfectly: the Iranian people are rising against a government more consumed by its obsession with its foreign adversary than its obligation to its own citizens.

“The use of one atomic bomb in Israel leaves nothing left, but in the Islamic world, there will only be damage.” — Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani

Historical Context and Present Reality

Since the Iranian Revolution of 1979, antisemitism has become a cornerstone of the ruling ideology. The foundational texts of the regime, particularly Ayatollah Khomeini's “Governance of the Jurist,” explicitly promote this hatred, framing Jews as the perpetual enemy of Islam. This deeply entrenched belief is not just ideological; it manifests in policy decisions and international relations. Iranian support for Hezbollah and various terrorist activities underscores a willingness to prioritize anti-Israel rhetoric over internal stability.

The persecution of Iran's diminishing Jewish community demonstrates the regime's duplicitous nature. While it tolerates the existence of a small number of Jews for appearance's sake, the majority have fled the country, often at great personal risk. Such actions reflect a leadership that views its citizens primarily as pawns in its geopolitical battles.

The Unintended Consequences of Hatred

As Iran allocates vast resources to its military ambitions and antisemitic policies, the Iranian populace suffers under economic collapse and rampant inflation. Recent protests have been sparked not only by financial hardships but by a profound disillusionment against a government more inclined to arm its foreign allies than address pressing domestic needs. In recent months, the regime's response has included a derisory $7 monthly stipend for citizens grappling with financial distress while simultaneously funneling over a billion dollars to bolster groups like Hezbollah.

The Long-Term Prognosis for Iran

The regime's fixation on an external enemy is critically flawed. Ordinary Iranians, despite facing severe government repression, express a starkly different sentiment, desiring peace and connection over conflict. Surveys from respected organizations like the Anti-Defamation League reveal that Iranians are less antisemitic than many of their neighbors in the Middle East, further highlighting the disconnect between the regime's rhetoric and the people's desires.

With Israel's recent military successes against Iranian-backed forces throughout the region, the façade of Iranian invincibility has crumbled, further destabilizing the regime. The combat results not only belied years of Iranian investment but exposed the regime's military incompetence, leaving the people questioning the leadership's strategies.

Looking Ahead: The Role of Antisemitism in Iran's Future

As protests rage on, it's evident that the regime's antisemitic stance will play a crucial role in its impending downfall. The history of nations that have embraced antisemitism is already written: France, Spain, Russia, and other nations have faced long-term decline after persecuting their Jewish communities. Iran appears set to follow this dismal path unless the regime undergoes a significant transformation.

The desire for freedom within Iran isn't merely about political change; it's about cultural reclamation and the rejection of the hate that has defined the regime's tenure. If and when the Iranian people reclaim their agency, they stand poised to craft a new narrative—one where anti-Jewish sentiment is not the crux of national identity, but a relic of a bygone era.

Conclusion: The Dangers of Political Hatred

Antisemitism serves no purpose beyond perpetuating a cycle of violence, ignorance, and decline. The Iranian regime's failings and its antisemitic policies will ultimately lead to its downfall, just as it has for countless societies before it. The world must recognize this truth: embracing hatred is a fool's game with dire consequences.