Sylvan Adams, Reza Pahlavi meet in Paris, voice hope for renewed Israel-Iran ties

World Jewish Congress President Sylvan Adams met with Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi in Paris on Sunday, focusing on their shared aspirations for a free and democratic Iran and the potential for renewed relations between the Iranian and Jewish peoples. The discussion also encompassed the eventual restoration of diplomatic ties between Israel and a future democratic Iranian state.

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We are discussing the hope for the freedom and liberation of the Iranian people, who have suffered for many years and long for freedom.

"We are discussing the hope for the freedom and liberation of the Iranian people, who have suffered for many years and long for freedom," Adams stated. He expressed belief in this occurring "in the very near future" and affirmed the Jewish people's support for Pahlavi's vision of a "free, pluralistic, representative, and democratic Iran." Adams pledged solidarity, saying, "we will stand shoulder to shoulder with you."

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I believe this will happen in the very near future. The entire Jewish people support your vision of a free, pluralistic, representative, and democratic Iran, and we will stand shoulder to shoulder with you.

Pahlavi highlighted the historical depth of their shared vision, tracing it back 2,500 years and noting that Iran and Israel are unique in their biblical connection. He criticized the current regime's actions, stating, "Thousands of Iranians have recently been killed. They did not die so that a strait would remain open or for the sake of a nuclear agreement. They died for freedom." Pahlavi expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from Jews worldwide and Israelis in Iran's struggle for freedom.

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What we seek to achieve in the 21st century actually began 2,500 years ago. Iran and Israel are the only two countries in the world that share a biblical connection.

Adams, a real estate developer, expressed his hope to visit Tehran soon to identify a suitable property for Israel's future embassy. As a symbol of this hope, he presented Pahlavi with two mezuzot carved from Jerusalem stone, handwritten by an Israeli sofer stam of Iranian descent. One mezuzah is intended for Israel's future embassy in Tehran, and the second for a future Iranian embassy in Jerusalem. The two agreed to maintain contact to strengthen ties and foster a future of peace and renewed relations.

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Thousands of Iranians have recently been killed. They did not die so that a strait would remain open or for the sake of a nuclear agreement. They died for freedom. We have always enjoyed the support of Jews around the world and of Israelis in Iran's struggle for freedom, and for that we are deeply grateful.