The future of the 13 Iranian Jews accused of spying for Israel and America looks bleak.
Facing possible execution, they are unlikely to get a fair trial in a virulently anti-Zionist country ruled by Shariah, or Islamic law.
The prisoners’ family members, as well as Jewish and political leaders around the world, have expressed tremendous fear over their plight.
The fear has a legitimate basis.
Since 1979, at least 17 Jews, including community leaders, have been executed. Many were accused of spying. Spying, it seems, is a common charge slapped on Jews whose only crime may be their religion.
Among the 13 Jews arrested since January are religious teachers, a rabbi and a 16-year-old boy seized from his classroom. Most are religious Jews.
Though they live in Iran as a “tolerated minority,” the country’s Jews face certain restrictions and say they live cautiously, in fear. With happenings like the arrest of the 13 Jews, it’s no wonder.
It has been heartening to witness an international effort to secure the release of the prisoners. Especially encouraging has been the involvement of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, fresh from his success freeing three U.S. soldiers held captive in Yugoslavia.
Jackson may have angered Jews in the past, but he has also stood with the Jewish community in times of tribulation. Calling the plight of the Iranian prisoners a “moral issue,” he said he has started to set up a network of contacts to Iran’s religious leadership.
We can only hope Iran’s religious leaders will stand in solidarity with those seeking justice for the prisoners. If the 13 Iranian Jews committed a crime, they should be punished. If they are innocent — as political and human rights activists believe — they should immediately be set free.