JEWS IN PERSIA.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 139, 15 June 1938, Page 21

JEWS IN PERSIA.

GREATER SECURITY OF STATUS. TEHERAN (Persia). Though the status of Jews in Iran is much more secure under King Khan Pahlevi than it was in this Mohammedan country in earlier years, there still is fear of persecution. The fear is encouraged by each anti-Semitic action of Nazi Germany or some other Government in central Europe. The Jew, of whom there are about 40,000 in Iran, feels that many dislike him because of his wealth, tliough he is confident also that he can safely count on support from the Government should there be a popular uprising against him. Many German Jewish professional men, incidentally, have found refuge in this country. The comparative status of Jews now and 13 years ago before Riza Khan became king, is interesting. Under the liberties granted them under the present king many Jews have become wealthier. Jews liave a free hand in trade. They now own much property. No longer are they shunned by educated Mohammedans, and Jews and Iranians are seen together in restaurants and public baths. A Jew now is perfectly sure that there is no ill feeling against him in the matter of religion. But it was not so previously. Jews in Mohammedan countries throughout the centuries were victims of acts of cruelty. In Iran—then Persia—in particular, hatred and persecution of Jews was caused by differences over religion. No Jew dared to be in a crowd of Mohammedans on a rainy or snowy day. for it, would most likely have been an end of him if his wet dress came in contact with that of a Mohammedan. The Moham/nedan thus would have considered himself soiled and defiled. A Jew did not dare touch anything |in a grocery. If he did he liad to take It and pay for it, whether it or ite price i suited him. He had to live in the Jewish quarter and show himself to be a Jew by liis dress. Then the Jew wa« not persecuted for hw wealth, for be had no opportunity to amass wealth and he did not show off what little he could accumulate.