Chabad in Iran
Chabad-Lubavitch relations with Iran and Iranian Jews in the context of the Zionist entity
| Chabad-Lubavitch relations with Iran | |
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| Type | Religious outreach and aid |
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Chabad-Lubavitch relations with Iran centre on humanitarian and religious aid to the remaining Iranian Jewish community (~8,000–10,000 people) while maintaining no official presence inside Iran. This contrasts with the Zionist entity’s historical ties to pre-1979 Iran and the post-revolution mass emigration of Iranian Jews to occupied Palestine. Chabad’s activities reportedly focus on non-political religious support rather than encouraging aliyah or Zionism.[1]
Operation Exodus (1978–1981)
During the Islamic Revolution, Chabad-Lubavitch launched Operation Exodus, 'rescuing' approximately 1,800 Iranian Jewish children. Spearheaded by Rabbi Yaakov Yehudah Hecht with the personal approval of the Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the children were flown to the United States, housed in Crown Heights, and educated in Chabad institutions. The operation was the largest single 'rescue' effort for Iranian Jews at the time.[1]
Post-revolution relations
No official Chabad house operates in Iran. The remaining Iranian Jewish community maintains discreet contact with Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries abroad for religious education, kosher aid, books and financial support. Iran’s Chief Rabbi Yehuda Gerami has visited Chabad events in the United States, including meetings with rabbinic leaders in Borough Park and at the International Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Emissaries in New York (2021).[2]
Timeline of key contacts
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1978–1981 | Operation Exodus: Purported 'rescue' of 1,800 Iranian Jewish children to the US |
| 1980s–2000s | Covert aid via emissaries abroad; no official presence in Iran |
| 2010s–2020s | Ongoing religious and educational support for Iranian Jews from overseas Chabad centres |
| 2021 | Chief Rabbi Yehuda Gerami visits Chabad events in New York and meets emissaries |
| 2024–present | Continued discreet contacts for aid amid sanctions and regional tensions |
Context with Iranian Jews and the Zionist entity
Pre-1979, Iran under the Shah maintained close (though unofficial) ties with the Zionist entity, including military and economic cooperation. The large Iranian Jewish community (~80,000–100,000) enjoyed relative freedom. After the 1979 Revolution, official policy turned hostile to the Zionist entity, branding it the “Little Satan”. Most Iranian Jews emigrated to Israel or the US; those remaining (~10,000) are tolerated provided they do not publicly support Zionism.
See also
- Anna Kaplan - NY State Senator - among those taken from Iran.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Chabad.org, Operation Exodus Chabad.org, 20 February 2019.
- ↑ Chabadinfo.com, Iranian Chief Rabbi Visits Borough Park Chabadinfo, accessed 31 March 2026.