Red, White,Blue and Green

Jews have had a long and rich history with Iran (Persia) for over 2500 years. It was the Persian King Cyrus the Great who granted the Jews freedom from Babylonian captivity and allowed them to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. The Bible refers to him as "annointed by God." It was another Persian ruler, Ahaserus/Xerxes who married Queen Ester and spared the Jews from annihilation. Up until the Islamic Revolution of 1979, Iran and Israel had friendly relations much like that with Turkey today. Should the current regime fall and democracy come to Iran, it could greatly improve prospects for Middle East peace by ending support for terror organizations such as Hezbollah and Hamas.

So like many, I've been disappointed that President Obama has taken a timid and weak response in showing support for the demonstrators, while at the same time being extra-critical of Israel. In this, he breaks from American tradition in standing up for democracy throughout the world. Following the American Revolution, it was Thomas Paine and others who went on to fight for democracy in France. It was JFK who said that we were all Berliners. President Ronald Reagan said Mr. Gorbachev, "tear down this wall." President Bush called Iran part of the Axis of Evil and promised America would stand by all who struggled for democracy throughout the world. So where is President Obama? Apparently, handing the torch of liberty off to France and President Sarkozy, who's been much more vocal in his support of the protestors in Iran.

But we can learn something from the Iranian protestors. They demonstrate to show the Ayatollahs that the people are the true sovereigns in Iran. Like them, power in America rests with us. So, if the President won't stand for liberty, we can. Here's what I propose:

America is about to celebrate the birth of our nation and our own declaration of independence. This July 4th, as we celebrate the Red, White and Blue, let's add green...the color of the protestors in Iran. Wear green and hang green ribbons, or banners wherever you can. Speak out at July 4th celebrations, on talk radio, to members of Congress and write letters to the editor of your local newspapers. Events are moving fast in Iran, so if July 4th is too late then start today. Let's reclaim the mantle of liberty throughout the world for America.

As we've discussed before, liberty is a cornerstone of Judaism and Biblical tradition played a large role in the founding principles of America. Jews know first-hand what it's like to suffer and have historically stood on the side of freedom. It is part of the tradition of Tikkun Ha-Olam, or the healing of the world. Please help me to stand up for liberty in Iran. Help me to spread this idea through Twitter, Facebook and tell and email your friends and family. This is a defining moment in history and we may never get another chance to spread democracy in Iran in the near future. Let's make this one count!

Before going, I'd just add that it was policies of appeasement and non-involvement that allowed the Holocaust to go as far as it did. No one wanted to step up in the 1930's and speak out against the Nazi's. When we say Never Again, let's apply it to those struggling for freedom in Iran also.

Until next time....

Shmuel