TEHRAN – In a video address to the global Jewish community, Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran’s Deputy President for Strategic Affairs, sharply criticized Zionism, calling it a betrayal of the Ten Commandments and an ideology rooted in racism and hatred.

Zarif accused the Zionist regime of exploiting the memory of Holocaust victims to further a colonial agenda of apartheid and expansionism, describing this as a profound distortion of Jewish values and principles.  

Zarif’s remarks aimed to draw a stark distinction between Judaism as a faith and Zionism as a political movement, urging Jewish communities worldwide to resist the secular ideology cloaked in religious rhetoric.  

The Iranian official opened his address with a message of peace and respect to followers of Prophet Moses and all Abrahamic religions. He highlighted Iran’s historical role in supporting oppressed communities, referencing instances of Jewish liberation and refuge throughout history.  

“Our nation has been a symbol of peaceful coexistence among various religions, cultures, and ethnicities for over two millennia,” Zarif remarked. “From liberating the Jews under Babylonian captivity 2,600 years ago to welcoming those fleeing Nazi persecution during World War II, Iran has always opened its arms to the oppressed. This tradition continues today as we assist Palestinians, Lebanese, and Syrians displaced by aggression and apartheid.”  

Zarif sharply criticized Zionism as a movement that exploits religious identity to mask its colonial and racist agenda. He argued that Zionism distorts Judaism to justify violence and oppression, warning that such actions harm the dignity and security of Jewish people globally.  

“Zionism abuses the memory, blood, and lives of Holocaust victims,” Zarif said. “It is nothing but racism, chauvinism, militarism, and apartheid. It deceitfully claims to represent Jewish people while, in reality, it sacrifices Jews and Gentiles alike at the altar of its expansionist agenda.”  

He also targeted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of sabotaging peace efforts such as the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. “Netanyahu and his extremist allies obstructed what could have been a turning point for regional peace, choosing instead to stand on the wrong side of history,” Zarif said.  

Zarif linked Zionism to broader regional instability, accusing Israel and its allies of unleashing a “machinery of death and destruction” across West Asia. He cited the ongoing violence in Gaza as evidence of a genocidal campaign, claiming it has resulted in over 50,000 civilian deaths, including more than 10,000 children.  

Despite the destruction, Zarif expressed confidence in the resilience of Resistance movements. “Resistance will not die by killing children or its leaders,” he stated. “The spirit of justice and opposition to oppression is far stronger than the machinery of occupation.”  

Zarif appealed directly to Jewish communities worldwide to stand against what he described as Zionist distortions of their faith. “Save the Divine Abrahamic Jewish faith from Zionist forgeries, marred by aggression, apartheid, and genocide,” he urged.  

He praised Jewish activists who have protested Zionist policies in Western capitals and encouraged them to continue advocating for Palestinian rights and human dignity. “You are not only horrified by Zionist crimes committed against others; you, too, are victims of Zionism’s assault on your faith and identity,” Zarif said.  

In his concluding remarks, Zarif accused Zionist leaders and their Western supporters of undermining global peace and justice. “Zionism’s expansionist agenda stands opposed to the core values of Judaism and humanity,” he asserted. “Netanyahu’s regime and its enablers are standing on the wrong side of history, perpetuating violence that will be judged harshly by future generations.”