Zion Mahgerefteh, head of the Isfahan Jewish Association, announced over the weekend that the initiative reflects the community’s solidarity with the people of Gaza. Earlier this week, the Jewish community invited its members to gather at the David Synagogue to express support for Gaza’s population.
The announcement encouraged participation from all—men, women, children and the elderly—in organizing aid through the city’s central synagogue. “The items collected, including dry food and other essentials, are ready to be sent to Gaza’s residents,” Mahgerefteh told Iranian media.
He emphasized the spiritual significance of the effort, saying, “The spiritual side of this action matters more to us than its material value, as it symbolizes the solidarity of Iran’s Jewish community, and Jews worldwide, with the oppressed people of Palestine.”
Mahgerefteh’s statements, reported by IRNA, also included criticism of Israel, likely reflecting the Iranian regime’s influence. “Jews worldwide oppose Zionist agendas and view Zionists as separate from the Jewish faith,” he was quoted as saying. “These groups are tied to violence and oppression, which no divine religion can justify.”
Addressing Gaza’s immediate needs, he noted that while peace and security are paramount, delivering food is challenging due to war conditions and geographical distance, making non-perishable items the most practical aid.
In a parallel statement, the Isfahan Jewish Association condemned what it called Israel’s “inhumane crimes” in Gaza. “The Jewish community and association of Isfahan witness the shameful, inhumane events in Gaza with heavy hearts and concerned eyes,” the statement read. “No honorable person can tolerate what is happening to humanity there. Not only Judaism but all of humanity seeks to reject such acts.”
