Leader of Iran's Jewish community pledges allegiance to Mojtaba Khamenei

• Footage shows prominent Iranian Jewish figure backing Iran’s new supreme leader.
• Public remarks highlight continued criticism of 'Israel' from Iran’s Jewish community.

A prominent leader of Iran’s Jewish community has publicly pledged allegiance to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, according to footage circulated on social media and reports carried by Iranian media.

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The remarks were delivered during a rally held Wednesday at Tehran’s Enqelab Square, where Younes Hamami Lalehzar voiced support for Khamenei’s leadership following his rise to the country’s highest political and religious office.

Public endorsement in Tehran

In the footage, Lalehzar said Iran’s Jewish community welcomed the leadership transition and backed Khamenei’s appointment.

“We are pleased that the members of the Khamenei Council, who are followers of Imam Shaheed, have reached this important position and responsibility,” he said.

He added that the Jewish community in Iran “supports their election and leadership,” expressing hope for “victory, success, and prosperity” for the country.

Iranian Jewish community stance

Iran’s Jewish population, once significantly larger before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, remains the largest Jewish community in the Middle East outside of 'Israel'.

Operating under the framework of the Islamic Republic, the community has frequently issued public statements critical of 'Israeli' military actions and policies.

Criticism following recent strikes

After a synagogue in central Tehran sustained damage during a missile strike several weeks ago, Iranian parliament member Homayoun Sameh, the Jewish representative in the Majles, accused 'Israel' of targeting the community during religious observances.

“The Zionist regime showed no mercy toward this community during the Jewish holidays,” he said.

Following 'Israeli' airstrikes in June 2025, Lalehzar also condemned what he described as the killing of civilians by the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling for a forceful response.

The Jewish Association and Community of Isfahan similarly denounced the attacks at the time, saying the strikes had “hurt all of our hearts” and expressing confidence that Iran would deliver what it described as a decisive response.