 Iranian opposition leader Vahid Beheshti (left) with MK Evgeny Sova at the Knesset Israel Victory Caucus, Jan. 2, 2024. (Photo: Michael Katz) |
PHILADELPHIA – March 12, 2024 – The story began when London-based Iranian oppositionist Vahid Beheshti traveled on January 2, 2024, to Jerusalem. There, as guest of the Middle East Forum (MEF), he appealed to the Knesset Israel Victory Caucus. "Help us overthrow [Iran's] government" and "Try to imagine what the Middle East would look like without the Iranian government – just imagine."
Two weeks later, dissidents hung banners in Tehran that read "We stand with Israel" and "Vahid is our voice." Last week, banners unfurled from a pedestrian bridge in Tehran requested an Israeli attack on the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) to help Iranians with its overthrow.
The banners read "Bibi, we are ready" and "Vahid Beheshti, send the message of the children of Cyrus the Great to Israel," and "We are in mourning" (for Israelis after the Oct. 7 atrocity).
"In the message 'Bibi, we are ready,'" commented Mr. Beheshti, "Iranians responded to my statements in the Israeli parliament by saying that they want an Israeli attack on the ayatollahs' regime, after which they will join in to bring it down."
He added: "As the first Iranian ever to speak in the Knesset, I took the opportunity to state that eliminating the IRI is the only way to achieve peace in the region. An army of 80 million Iranians thirsty for freedom and democracy stand at the ready."
MEF's President Daniel Pipes observed that "Vahid Beheshti's brave call from Jerusalem spurred an even braver response within Iran itself. The Middle East Forum is honored to have played a role in facilitating this extraordinary exchange. Expect more to follow."
MEF looks forward to hosting Mr. Beheshti for events in Washington, D.C., and New York City this month.
The Middle East Forum, a non-profit organization, promotes American interests in the Middle East and protects Western civilization from Islamism. It does so through a combination of original ideas, focused activism, and funding allies. For more information, visit www.meforum.org.
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Gregg Roman
roman@meforum.org
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