Jewish, Christian Leaders Meet to Condemn Zionist Atrocities

TEHRAN -- Iran’s Jewish leader Rabbi Younes Hamami Lalehzar on Monday strongly condemned the Zionist regime’s ongoing war of aggression against Gaza, calling on the global community to distinguish between the Zionist regime and the Jewish people.

Religious leaders from various faiths came together at the Central Armenian Church here to condemn Israeli attacks in Gaza, which has martyred more than 5,000 Palestinians since October 7, including in an assault on the Orthodox Church of Gaza.
Hamami Lalehzar, Iran’s chief rabbi, touched on the teachings of the Torah and described the Zionist regime a “political party” that shamelessly violates the land of Palestine.
“Zionism is a political party that emerged in the late 19th century as a result of the nationalistic issues prevalent in European countries. Unfortunately, Zionists do whatever they want by taking advantage of certain Jewish ideals and beliefs,” he said.
“Just as no one considers Daesh to be the representative of Islam, no one considers Zionism to be the representative of the Jews,” he added.
Sepuh Sargsyan, archbishop of the Armenian Diocese of Tehran, expressed his deep concerns about the unfolding turmoil in the region, and blamed the Israeli regime for the crisis facing the people of West Asia.
“Since 1948, when the Zionist regime was formed, a terrible conflagration has engulfed the region, and we, the people of West Asia, have suffered a crisis, all the people of this region are looking for a lasting peace, which has unfortunately remained elusive,” he said.
The head of the Armenian Church further condemned Israel’s recent atrocities in Gaza, especially the bombing of hospitals and churches, which he called “inhumane.”
Vanya Sarkis, the head of the Chaldean Catholic cathedral of Tehran, also voiced his strong disapproval of the Israeli regime’s actions in Gaza.
He said that churches and mosques have always been sanctuaries for the people, and it is outrageous that the Israeli regime has attacked innocent civilians in such places.
“We are ready to do whatever it takes (to stop this violence) and we condemn the Israeli crimes,” Sarkis said.