Two Jews with US citizenship arrested in Iran
Two Jews with American citizenship have been arrested in Iran, according to HRANA, which monitors human rights in Iran. One man is from New York City and the other, who was released on bail, is from Los Angeles; both were born in Iran. Five Iranian Jews still remain in detention following the war between Israel and Iran:
Amid a growing wave of summonses, arrests, and security pressure targeting Iran’s Jewish community, HRANA has confirmed the identity of one of the two American-Jewish citizens recently detained in Iran. The individual, Yehuda Hekmati, is over 70 years old and works in the jewelry and precious stones trade. His arrest is reportedly linked to a visit he made to Israel seven years ago.
According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, Hekmati is one of two American-Jewish citizens whose arrests were first reported by Israel’s Channel 11. The detentions came amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel following a 12-day conflict. The second detainee, an Iranian-American from Los Angeles, has reportedly been released on bail, while Mr. Hekmati remains in custody. Both men are believed to have traveled to Iran to visit relatives.
A source familiar with the case confirmed efforts to secure their release, telling Hebrew-language media: “These two Americans were in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Leave a Reply