Iranian Opposition Delegation in Israel Promotes “Iranian Zionism” for New Alliance with Israelis

Members of the Iranian diaspora recently met with Israeli political and civil figures in Tel Aviv, advocating for a new alliance inspired by the Zionist movement and a shared historical connection to Cyrus the Great. This gathering, held on August 12, 2026, involved a delegation of Iranian opposition figures from the United States and Europe, aiming to strengthen ties between Israelis and Iranians who oppose the Islamic Republic.

The delegation included Iranian business and community leaders, journalists, activists, and representatives of the Iranian Christian community. During their visit, they discussed the concept of “Iranian Zionism,” which suggests that Iran’s opposition can learn from the movement that helped establish the modern State of Israel. This initiative was organized in cooperation with the Abrahamic Movement, the Jerusalem Interfaith Center, the Cyrus Fund, and Project Aftab.

Tom Wegner, CEO of the Abrahamic Movement and co-founder of the Cyrus Fund, emphasized a shared historical narrative between Israelis and Iranians, citing Cyrus the Great, the ancient Persian king known for allowing the Jewish people exiled in Babylon to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. Wegner described Cyrus as the “first Zionist” and “liberator of the Jewish people,” highlighting the shared values and legacy between the two peoples.

The delegation sought to differentiate between the Iranian government and the Iranian people, arguing that both groups have suffered under the same regime. They emphasized that the radical regime oppressing Iranians is also a threat to Israelis by supporting terror groups across the region. Wegner conveyed a message of unity, stating, “the children of Israel and the children of Cyrus are united, and they stand together against injustice.”

This initiative reflects a broader movement towards peace and reconciliation, echoing the biblical call for justice and neighbor-love, as seen in Micah 6:8. The delegation’s efforts underscore the potential for solidarity and mutual support in the face of shared challenges, fostering a vision of unity and cooperation.

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