In a landmark diplomatic encounter held in Paris, Sylvan Adams, President of the World Jewish Congress (WJC) Israel, met with Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi to express joint hopes for the liberation of the Iranian populace, the collapse of the current regime in Tehran, and the eventual re-establishment of full diplomatic ties between Israel and a democratic Iran.

The high-level meeting focused heavily on the deep historical ties uniting Jewish and Iranian communities worldwide, while addressing the ongoing domestic struggles within Iran and laying out symbolic and practical groundwork for a peaceful, cooperative future once democratic governance is restored.

Shared hopes for democracy and liberation

During their discussions, Adams reaffirmed the solid solidarity of Jewish communities global-wide with the Iranian public in their push for self-determination and political reform. Emphasizing the urge for fundamental political change, Adams highlighted the yearning of the Iranian populace for liberty and democratic governance.

“We discussed our hope for the freedom and liberation of the long-suffering Iranian people, who are starving for freedom. I believe this will happen in the very near future. The Jewish people entirely support your vision of a free, pluralistic, representative and democratic Iran, and we will be standing with you shoulder to shoulder.” — Sylvan Adams

Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi echoed these sentiments, highlighting the historic, millennia-long bond that links the Jewish and Iranian nations. Reframing modern political dynamics through a long historical lens, Pahlavi pointed out that the alliance between the two cultures is grounded in deep historic roots rather than recent geopolitical convenience.

“What we are contemplating for the 21st century started 25 centuries ago. Iran and Israel are the only two countries on this planet that have a biblical relationship.” — Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi

Pahlavi also paid tribute to the immense sacrifices made by Iranian citizens in recent waves of domestic unrest, acknowledging the support shown by Jewish communities and Israelis during these perilous periods.

“Thousands of Iranians have been killed recently. They didn’t die for a strait to remain open or for a nuclear deal. They died for liberty. We have always had the support of Jews around the world and Israelis for Iranian freedom, and we appreciate that very, very much.” — Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi

Symbolic gifts for future embassies in Tehran and Jerusalem

A central highlight of the Paris meeting was a symbolic exchange aimed at forecasting a renewed diplomatic era between Israel and Iran. Adams presented Crown Prince Pahlavi with two traditional Jewish doorpost markers, known as mezuzahs, crafted directly from Jerusalem stone.

To further embody the shared ties between the two heritage groups, the handwritten parchment housed inside each mezuzah was meticulously written by an Iranian-Israeli scribe, creating a tangible connection between Jerusalem and Iran.

The two mezuzahs were designated for specific future uses: one is intended to be affixed to the doorway of a future Embassy of Israel in Tehran, while the second is slated for a future Embassy of Iran in Jerusalem. Drawing upon his personal background in real estate development, Adams expressed his eager desire to personally assist in securing physical property for Israel’s diplomatic mission in a free Iranian capital.

“I’m a real estate man. This is how I made my living. My hope is to come to Tehran in the very near future and look for a piece of real estate on which will sit the Israeli embassy in Tehran. I brought two mezuzahs, one which I hope to hang with you at the Israeli embassy in Tehran, and the second which will be at the Iranian embassy in Jerusalem.” — Sylvan Adams

Rebuilding Iran and restoring regional security

Beyond diplomatic symbolism, the leaders exchanged ideas regarding the economic and infrastructural recovery of Iran following a potential political transition. Crown Prince Pahlavi expressed confidence that once the current ruling regime and its associated regional security threats are removed, Iran will be poised for rapid reconstruction through broad international cooperation and investment.

Pahlavi noted that he looks forward to welcoming Adams to Tehran in the future to jointly inspect potential sites for diplomatic installations. Both leaders underscored their commitment to maintaining active communication and fostering closer cultural and strategic partnerships between the Iranian and Jewish peoples.

The summit in Paris concluded with a mutual declaration of confidence that the ancient friendship uniting the two nations can be revitalized. Both Adams and Pahlavi emphasized that a democratic Iran and the State of Israel can ultimately stand side by side as strategic partners, fostering regional peace, security, and economic prosperity across the Middle East.

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