From Cyrus to Silence: The Story of Iran’s Jews

For over 2,700 years, a continuous Jewish community has inhabited the land of Iran, predating the Islamic conquest and even the formation of many modern ethnic identities. This episode explores the profound biblical roots of this community—from the royal courts of Susa to the decree of Cyrus the Great—and contrasts that ancient glory with the "state of total silence" facing the remaining Jews living there today. We examine the complex distinction between Persian and Iranian identities, the political parallels drawn between ancient kings and modern leaders, and the heartbreaking survival tactics required to navigate life under a regime that remains the primary antagonist of the Jewish state.