| Submit your comments on this article |
| Syria-Lebanon-Iran |
| Talk of conversion is in the air in Iran |
| 2004-12-16 |
| The queries he receives from Iranian Muslims about converting to Judaism say less about the lure of the Jewish faith, Menashe Amir believes, than about the abysmal situation in the land of the ayatollahs. "The main reason they ask about conversion is that they want to get out of Iran, and it has become more difficult to obtain visas to Europe and elsewhere," said Mr. Amir, longtime director of the Iran desk of the Israel Broadcasting Authority. "They believe that if they convert to Judaism, they can receive refuge in Israel." Rest at link. |
| Posted by:ed |
| #6 Faster, goddamnit |
| Posted by: lex 2004-12-16 2:16:16 PM |
| #5 I don't think Zoroaster had homicide bombers in mind when he became divinely inspired. Let's get that ideology moving. |
| Posted by: Rightwing 2004-12-16 11:11:00 AM |
| #4 I'm pretty sure it's considered "native" because it IS. |
| Posted by: Robert Crawford 2004-12-16 10:30:57 AM |
| #3 I recall reading something on FFI about a very high interest in Zoroastorism among the people who are fed up with Islam. Apparently, it is considered a 'native' religion so it appeals to Nationalism. |
| Posted by: mhw 2004-12-16 10:19:12 AM |
| #2 I'm not so sure. Iran has both an odd blend of oppresed religious minorities, who hate Islam and the Mullahs, but it also has a large number of young people who are so utterly appalled with Islam that they really want a way out--permanently. For the more educated, this might mean either atheism or Judaism, Christians in that region not looked at as particularly modern, either. Of course, proclaiming identity as an atheist is an absolute death sentence, and while becoming a Jew might not instantly get them killed, they might figure that Israel would accept them as converts and give them safe haven. Somewhat convoluted logic, but I cannot condemn them for clutching at straws, especially now. |
| Posted by: Anonymoose 2004-12-16 9:35:32 AM |
| #1 Call me a cynic if you like, but I am thinking Trojan Horse here. More like ka-boom pals? |
| Posted by: Capt America 2004-12-16 7:16:06 AM |