Title: Iranian Jewish Man Sentenced to Death: A Miscarriage of Justice
Introduction:
In a shocking turn of events, Iranian authorities have sentenced a Jewish man, Arvin Ghahremani, to death. This case has sent shockwaves through the tiny Jewish community in Iran and has raised concerns among Iranian Jewish expats in New York and Israel. The execution is scheduled to take place as soon as Monday, prompting urgent calls for justice. Let’s delve deeper into the details surrounding this case.
The Ambush and Fatal Stabbing:
Arvin Ghahremani, a 20-year-old Jewish man, was working out at a gym in Kermanshah, Iran when he was ambushed by seven men in November 2022. One of the assailants was a 40-year-old man who owed him money. According to Rabbi Danny Yiftach, who translated the Iranian court documents, the purported victim, identified as Amir Shokri by Iran Human Rights, pulled out a knife and stabbed Ghahremani. In self-defense, Ghahremani fought back, disarmed Shokri, and fatally stabbed him.
A Miscarriage of Justice:
Despite acting in self-defense, Ghahremani was convicted of being an “accomplice to the intentional murder of a Muslim” and for “intentionally inflicting nonfatal injuries.” He was subsequently sentenced to death, a judgment that is not subject to appeal. This verdict has caused outrage within the Jewish community and among Iranian Jewish expats.
Efforts to Save Ghahremani:
According to Iranian law, Ghahremani could escape execution if Shokri’s family agreed to receive financial compensation. However, despite efforts by Dr. Homayoun Sameyah, the Jewish representative in Iran’s Parliament, to mediate with Shokri’s family, including offering to build a mosque in his name, these attempts were unsuccessful. Time is running out for Ghahremani as the execution looms.
The Jewish Community’s Concern:
With a population of only 8,000 out of 88.5 million Iranians, Jews are a small minority in Iran. The impending execution of Ghahremani has left the community anxious and fearful. Rabbi Danny Yiftach, who has been inundated with messages regarding the case, highlights that this situation has everyone on edge in Iran.
The Iranian Regime’s Opportunity:
Rabbi Yiftach believes that this case presents an opportunity for the Iranian regime to demonstrate its strength by overturning this apparent miscarriage of justice. He expresses confidence in the goodwill of the central government and hopes that they will uphold their stance of not being against the Jewish people but rather anti-Zionist.
A Plea for Hope and Justice:
In the face of such dire circumstances, Rabbi Yiftach draws upon the teachings of the Talmud, which encourage maintaining hope even in the most perilous situations. The Jewish community is fervently advocating for justice and urging the Iranian government to reconsider the death sentence.
Conclusion:
As time ticks away, the fate of Arvin Ghahremani hangs in the balance. The Iranian Jewish community, along with supporters around the world, continues to rally against this clear miscarriage of justice. The international community must come together to condemn such actions and protect the rights and lives of individuals, regardless of their religious or ethnic background. Despite the challenges, hope remains that justice will prevail.
