Antisemitic abuse at Iran's Tomb of Esther and Mordechai sparks outrage

An Uzbek national verbally abused Nejad Rassad, the Jewish custodian of the Tomb of Esther and Mordechai in Hamadan, western Iran. Rassad is one of only a few dozen Jews remaining in the city.

The incident, captured on video by the aggressor, Bakhtavar Qazaqov, involved antisemitic remarks. Qazaqov questioned Rassad about the dwindling Jewish population in Hamadan and made derogatory comments about Jewish people.

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You [Jews] consider all of humanity to be animals and your servants.

Following widespread outrage on social media, Qazaqov released a video apology, addressing the Iranian people and Rassad directly. He claimed to have returned to the tomb to apologize personally. However, reports suggest Qazaqov has had contact with Iranian diplomats, appearing in photos with an Iranian cultural attaché in Tashkent and discussing Iran's tourism potential.

Rassad, a former teacher, previously declined to comment on the arrest of 13 Jews from his community in 2000, who were accused of spying for Israel. At that time, he was one of only 35 Jews left in Hamadan.

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As your fellow citizen, I apologize to you for having shown disrespect. I apologize to all the people of Hamadan and to all the dear people of Iran, as your fellow countryman.