Iranian Jews’ Tendency to Religious Visibility and Adapted Coexistence

Abstract

Religious visibility is a modern concept dealing with the issue of minorities. This study seeks to examine the visibility of the Jewish minority in Iran, answering the questions: Did the Iranian Jews tend to be more visible in the society and wish to become more recognizable, especially after the 1979 Iranian Revolution? How did they accept Iranian culture, identity, traditions, and life in an adapted coexistence? Based on a qualitative method, six elements were found and studied through the concepts of assimilation, multiculturalism, and recognition: not a feeling of marginalization and being a minority, religious support, neighboring Muslims, freedom to perform religious duties, formation of parties and associations, and actions for social recognition. In conclusion, the Jews who voluntarily live in Iran have a special Iranian-Islamic identity and have been influenced by the dominant culture. They are recognized in the Constitution and to some extent enjoy citizenship rights. Additionally, though they possess a peaceful life alongside others, and they are socially recognized, but they feel a different eye on them from the government and the majority, which makes them feel marginalized. So, they are careful in their relationships with others. This behavior is more prevalent among Jews than other minorities, because their population is very small and so they have to be more cautious.