“Iran’s Jews have sharply criticized President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for denying the Holocaust, saying his remarks have sparked fears in their ancient but dwindling community.
“Haroun Yashayaei, the head of Iran’s Jewish community, sent a letter of complaint to Ahmadinejad two weeks ago.
“‘How is it possible to ignore all of the undeniable evidence existing for the exile and massacre of the Jews in Europe during World War Two?’ said a copy of Yashayaei’s letter faxed to Reuters on Sunday.
“‘Challenging one of the most obvious and saddening events of 20th-century humanity has created astonishment among the people of the world and spread fear and anxiety among the small Jewish community of Iran,’ the letter added.
“A Jewish community leader said he preferred not to comment on whether Ahmadinejad had sent a reply to the letter, penned on behalf on the entire Jewish community.
“Jews occupy an awkward position in Israel’s arch-foe Iran, often speaking out against Israeli treatment of Palestinians.”
While reports suggest that the US is planning military strikes against Tehran, the international community should be rallying around individuals or groups expressing dissent from the official government line, such as Iranian Jews.