Freedom is something many of us in the Middle East have long yearned for, but rarely experienced. As someone born into a lineage of Safavid royalty, who has also lived through revolutions, persecutions, and ideological transformations, I have seen firsthand the stark contrast between the promises of authoritarian regimes and the genuine liberty that individuals deserve. After all my years as an Imam, leading Islamic organizations like CAIR-Columbus and the Muslim Forum of Utah, I eventually realized the hollow nature of the promises made by these entities about human rights and freedom. It was Christianity that led me to see the value of true freedom, not only spiritually but also in society.
When we look across the Middle East, a region largely dominated by oppressive regimes that restrict religious, political, and individual freedoms, there is only one beacon of liberty—Israel. This country, often portrayed as a villain by its neighbors and many in the global media, has consistently demonstrated a unique and unwavering commitment to individual freedom and human rights. It is a commitment that is enjoyed not just by Jewish citizens, but by non-Jews as well, including Muslims, Christians, Druze, and people of other faiths or no faith at all.
Israel is a nation that guarantees the freedom of worship for people of all religions, and while it is a Jewish state, the religious diversity within its borders thrives. I often think back to the time when I led Muslim organizations in America, where many Muslims would unjustly criticize Israel. The reality, which I came to understand over time, is that Israel's protection of religious minorities is unparalleled in the region. Churches, mosques, and synagogues coexist—a stark difference from the demolitions, desecrations, and prohibitions that occur in many of Israel's neighboring countries.
Political freedom is another hallmark of Israeli society. Arabs and other minorities are allowed to run for office, participate in elections, and have representation in the Knesset. Imagine that—an Arab citizen representing their community in a government that many claim is oppressing them. Such political involvement is unheard of in most parts of the Middle East, where minorities often face discrimination, disenfranchisement, or outright violence for trying to assert their rights. In my own ancestral homeland of Iran, such freedoms are nothing but a distant dream. The Islamic Republic has systematically suppressed dissent, silenced religious minorities, and stripped its citizens of the basic freedoms that every human being deserves.
Then there is the matter of women’s rights. In Israel, women enjoy the right to education, employment, and participation in the military, politics, and society at large. In contrast, many other countries in the region—including Iran and Saudi Arabia—routinely subjugate women under harsh interpretations of Sharia law. As a former Muslim leader, I once believed that these rules were divinely inspired, but I now see them as tools of oppression, wielded by patriarchal regimes to maintain control. In Israel, both Jewish and non-Jewish women are afforded opportunities and rights that are denied to their counterparts elsewhere in the region.
Freedom of speech is yet another area where Israel stands out. While nations like Iran, Saudi Arabia, and others imprison and execute those who dare to criticize the government or speak out against religious authorities, Israel allows for open debate and dissent. The media in Israel, including Arabic-language outlets, operate freely. Citizens—Jewish or not—can criticize their government without fear of imprisonment or death. This is a level of freedom that most people in the Middle East can only dream about.
To some, it might seem paradoxical that a former leader of Muslim organizations would now defend Israel. But as someone who values freedom, it is impossible for me to ignore the truth. Israel, despite its flaws, is the only country in the Middle East where freedom is genuinely protected. Whether you are a Jew, a Christian, a Muslim, or an atheist, you are allowed to live your life without the government dictating your beliefs or oppressing you because of them.
I have lived through many ideologies—Islamism, socialism, and even paganism—and none of them provided the answers I was looking for. It was only when I embraced Christianity and conservative values that I truly began to understand what freedom means. It means the right to live your life as you see fit, to worship (or not) according to your beliefs, to speak your mind, and to participate in the political process. In Israel, these rights are not privileges for the few—they are guaranteed for everyone.
The world should take note. Freedom is not an abstract concept; it is a way of life that allows societies to flourish. Israel, in a region beset by tyranny and oppression, is a living testament to what a free society can achieve, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. And for that, it deserves recognition and support—not just from Jews, but from all of us who value freedom.
Citations
United Nations. (2022). Human Rights in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Available at: https://www.un.org/en/humanrights/israel-palestine
Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (2023). Freedom of Religion in Israel. Available at: https://mfa.gov.il/freedom-of-religion
Knesset. (2023). Arab Representation in the Knesset. Available at: https://knesset.gov.il/arab-representation
Human Rights Watch. (2023). Women’s Rights in Israel vs. Other Middle Eastern Countries. Available at: https://www.hrw.org/womens-rights-middle-east
Freedom House. (2023). Freedom in the World: Israel. Available at: https://freedomhouse.org/country/israel/freedom-world/2023
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