Resolution Adopted by the CCAR
Iran
Adopted by the CCAR at the 91th Annual Convention of
the Central Conference of American Rabbis
Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, June 23-26, 1980
In 1979 the Central Conference of American Rabbis expressed concern over the violation
of human rights in Iran. To this outrageous situation has been added the unlawful
incarceration of fifty-three American citizens in Iran and the continued outpouring
of anti-American and anti-Israeli hatred. The inhuman treatment of U.S. citizens exposes
the xenophobia and brutality of the present Iranian regime which seized power under
the guise of social and religious justice. It is now clear that this vision is perverted and threatens the fragile hopes for peace and understanding in the Middle East
and throughout the world.
We condemn the summary execution of key leaders of the Iranian Jewish community in
trials involving torture, fictitious charges and clear violations of Koranic law.
Anti-Jewish statements by the courts are in blatant contradiction to the Ayatollah
Khomeini’s reassurances that the Koranic protection of Jews would not be violated.
With the recent U.S. deportation of Iranian officials and subjects, few Iranians remain
in the United States. The Central Conference urges our fellow Americans to treat
this Iranian remnant with the respect and hospitality that should be accorded a guest. Lashing out in prejudiced anger at the few remaining Iranians is demeaning and serves
no useful purpose in gaining the release of the hostages. We urge all Americans to
resist the words and deeds of the Khomeini government with firm dignity, rather than
with violence, anger and rage.