Support Iranian Democracy

The protests in Iran over election irregularities represent the most promising opportunity for reform and true democracy in that country since the beginning of the Islamic regime in 1979. What many do not remember, or realize, is that the current Islamic government came to power as a result of similar protests over election fraud in 1979. Can history be repeating itself? I hope so, as it could mark the beginning of a new era in the Middle East, if freedom is promoted and allowed to spread.

Critics, including President Obama, say that we shouldn't meddle and that there's not much difference between Achmadinejad and Mousavi. I say that these critics are missing the point. America's founding principles are based on personal liberties and individual freedoms and these are concepts we've promoted throughout the world all through our history. Much of the world's democracies would not currently exist, if it hadn't of been for American "meddling." Furthermore, we saw what can happen to democratic revolutions at Tienamen Square in 1989, when the protestors are left on their own without outside support. They are eventually overwhelmed and defeated by the authoritarian regimes, if those ruling governments don't feel there's a price to be paid for their harsh actions. This past June 4th marked the anniversary of the Tienamen Square massacre and the defeat of the democratic protestors in China. It was a day of mourning for me, as I remember those events vividly. And I have to ask myself how different the world might be today, if those protestors had received more support and had overthrown the authoritarian Communist regime and replaced it with Western style democracy. It is for me once again a moment that we think of and say "Never Again!"

For Jews, individual liberties and freedoms are a matter of faith. More than most peoples, we've suffered and know the dangers of centralized, authoritarian governments that don't tolerate differences and dissent. And every year we celebrate freedom and liberation with holidays such as Passover, Shavuot, Sukkot and Shabbat on a weekly basis. It is the concept that is at the core of our religion and culture. As such, it is truly "Jewish" to support the protestors for democratic reform in Iran in whatever way possible. And don't let the naysayers tell you that "Jewish" support for democracy in Iran will undermine the efforts of the Muslim protestors. Prior to the rise of the Ayatollah's, Iran and it's people had some of the warmest relations with Israel and the West of any nation in the Middle East. It can be that way again, especially if the Iranian people see that Jews and Israel support their desire for freedom.

So what can we do? Here's just a few ideas:

1) Contact the press and write letters to the editor in local papers, or speak out on radio talk shows.

2) Make comments on supportive blogs, or write your own.

3) Speak out to politicians at all levels and demand their support for freedom and democracy in Iran.

4) Support companies like Twitter, who are making extra effort to support the protestors efforts to get their message out to the world.

5) Speak out and do what you can to support and organize efforts through your local synagogue, or civic organizations.

6) Contact organizations that promote democracy in Iran and offer your support. See what they suggest.

This is truly a chance to bring lasting change and peace to the Middle East. Like I mentioned, the current Islamic regime came to power under similar circumstances. We must do whatever we can to keep the focus on the protestors and their efforts and to fan the flames of freedom as they spread across the Iran and the Middle East. This must be our line in the sand and where we say "Never Again." It is truly being "Jewish" at its best.

Until next time....

Shmuel