News
Statement from the Iranian community in South Africa
As Operation Lions Roar begins today, 28 February, we speak not only as members of the Iranian community in South Africa, but as sons and daughters of an ancient nation whose history is intertwined with that of Israel.
At this sacred time of Purim, when Jews around the world commemorate salvation from annihilation in ancient Persia, we pray for the safety of both the Iranian and Israeli nations. May the Lion of Judah roar. May justice rise. May evil fall.
Our shared story stretches back more than 2 500 years to King Cyrus the Great, who liberated the Jewish people and enabled them to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. The Persian empire did not seek to destroy the Jewish people, it protected them. That legacy of tolerance and respect is part of the true Iranian identity.
In modern times, under Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, Iran and Israel enjoyed a strong and open partnership. Iran was the second nation in the region to recognise the State of Israel. Our peoples cooperated in trade, agriculture, medicine, and security. It was a relationship rooted in mutual respect and shared strategic vision.
That Iran was stolen in 1979.
For 47 years, the Islamic regime has poured the wealth of our nation into a singular obsession: the destruction of Israel. Instead of building schools, hospitals, and opportunity for Iranians, it has funded terror proxies, destabilised the region, and threatened genocide. The regime’s leaders openly call for Israel to be wiped off the map while ordinary Iranians struggle under crushing sanctions, corruption, and repression.
At home, this same regime has shown unspeakable cruelty toward its own people. Peaceful protesters – women, students, workers – have been massacred, beaten, and imprisoned for demanding basic freedoms. The world has witnessed young Iranians executed or silenced simply for raising their voices. The regime that chants “Death to Israel” and “Death to America” has also declared war on its own citizens.
Let it be clear: the Islamic regime does not represent the Iranian people. Millions of Iranians, inside the country and across the diaspora, have long hoped that the free world would confront this threat – not only for Israel’s safety, but for Iran’s liberation. Today, as the United States and Israel act through Operation Lions Roar, we express our gratitude. We thank them for taking steps to confront a regime that has terrorised both our nations and much of the region for nearly half a century.
We pray for the safety of the American servicemen and the Israeli people and for the protection of the brave soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) who place themselves in harm’s way in confronting this demonic regime. We thank the IDF on behalf of millions of Iranians who cannot speak freely but who know that this fight is not against Iran – it is against tyranny.
We condemn unequivocally the Islamic regime’s 47 years of support for terrorism and regional chaos. We call on the government of South Africa to immediately cease its political alignment with and support for this regime. Standing with the oppressor of the Iranian people is not a position of moral leadership; it is a betrayal of the very principles of freedom and human dignity.
We envision a different future: an Iran restored to its people, an Israel secure within its borders, and a renewed partnership between two biblical nations whose histories are bound together. A future of cooperation, prosperity and peace – not only for our region, but for the world.
At this time of Purim, we remember that evil does not endure forever. The story of Persia and the Jewish people is not one of annihilation, but of survival and redemption.
May the Lion of Judah roar.
May Iran be free.
May Israel be safe.
May peace prevail!
Haroon Ebrahim
March 1, 2026 at 7:34 pm
Wow! Stabbing your own people in the back. Disgusting. But that’s the Shiah after all.
Jeanette Bank
March 1, 2026 at 8:25 pm
Beautiful sincere message !
Samuel Sambo
March 2, 2026 at 6:23 pm
🇮🇱 you’re the problem bcz USA 🇺🇸 are behind you.
You can’t be powerful for good but nature soon will make game change.
Ravi Pillay
March 2, 2026 at 7:59 pm
THANK YOU LORD FOR WATCHING OVER ISRAEL.USA.IDF.I BLESS ISRAEL.THANK YOU LORD JESUS FOR BLESSINGS OVER MY FAMILY AND I..PROTECT EVERY PERSIQUETED CHRISTIAN AND THE USA SOILDERS.COME JESUS COME.MY LORD AND SAVIOUR.AMEN
Mabonga
March 3, 2026 at 7:18 am
When Hamas attacked Israel in October 2023, I started to read deeper into what transpired. Iranian regime that has been funding Hamas and Hezbollah has to be crushed. Israel is the most free country in the Middle East. Good relations have to exist between Iran and Israel. I don’t like President Trump so much but he is decisive in his actions.
Edwin Naidoo
March 3, 2026 at 4:02 pm
I salute the president of America the Morden David chosen by God Edwin naidoo south Africa
Eugene Brink
March 3, 2026 at 5:43 pm
As long as the anc is in power..along with the iranian people living in SA ,they are creating a huge problem for the rest of us….going against Gods country ,Israel, .the anc is doomed…so is Iran…this war is going to affect us in a huge way,
Sarie Herbst
March 2, 2026 at 5:12 am
Dear pepole of Israel and Iran, put your trust in God All Mighty. The Lion will roar and keep you dear people safe
I will pray for you!!
Sarie Herbst (SOUTH AFRICA)
sarie.he@gmail.com
Johan de Jager
March 2, 2026 at 7:09 am
Amen! 🙏
Abbas Buffkins
March 2, 2026 at 7:46 am
this is what been happening since Cain and Abel jealousy and hate walk 🚶♂️ 😤 are like 👍 twins and have been spreading like all viruses it has given birth to throughout creation and science medical no operation can change BORNAGAIN BELIEVERS WITH GOD’S SPIRIT AINT PERFECT YET BUT stumbling getting up they strive fighting against this viruses that appear in many forms relying on GOD THE CREATOR for WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE against this EVIL 😈 that is judging 👨 🧍♂️ 👩🦱 👨👦 mankind way before JUDGEMENT DAY WHICH BELONGS TO GOD ALMIGHTY ALONE GOD HAVE MERCY EVEN IF THEY DON’T HAVE SEE LIFE THROUGH THE EYES OF LITTLE CHILDREN WHO ARE SO VULNERABLE AND SCARED WHERE ARE THE WORLD LEADERS IN THIS CHAOS MOST IF NOT ALL ARE THE SAME DON’T CARE JUST WANTS TO BE IN POWER JUST ANOTHER VIRUS
Dennis Culyer
March 2, 2026 at 7:46 am
That’s the best comment from a free speaking Iranian it was spoken from the heart of a true Iranian and long live the Iranian people I sincerely hope that the Iranian people will be able to live In 2026 and not kept In the dark ages with peace and dignity
Sharl Pienaar
March 2, 2026 at 7:54 am
God watches over Israel, not because they deserve it, but because He promised to do so. He will show himself faithful and unfaltering to the promises made. He extends grace even now to all who would turn to Him and believe in his redemptive work through Jesus the Messiah, not only of the Jews, but all the world.
André Möller
March 2, 2026 at 7:54 am
Danksy ons God en Vader en Jesus Christus, ons Here, deur die kravolle medewerking van die Heilige Gees!! Amen!!
Pamela emmett
March 2, 2026 at 9:07 am
Amen 🙏
Rebecca Moseki
March 2, 2026 at 9:54 am
May the Lord bless you my people, God is in control no matter what
Glen Hardy
March 2, 2026 at 9:56 am
I pray for the Iranian (Persian) people and for the end of the evil Iranian regime.
I pray for the safety of the Jewish people.
May GOD intervene and bring peace between these two nations, that share a special history together.
Kymani Koleman
March 2, 2026 at 1:46 pm
Pray for yourself,nonsense
Philicity Cornish
March 2, 2026 at 3:29 pm
Amen 🙏
Amorel Abrahams
March 2, 2026 at 6:51 pm
No weapon formed against Israel will prosper. Praise God for helping His chosen people.
Amorel Abrahams
March 2, 2026 at 6:53 pm
No weapon formed against Israel will prosper! Praise God for helping His chosen people. I however pray for Christians and innocent people, suffering as a result of this evil regime of Iran.
Clifford Eliason
March 2, 2026 at 9:58 am
Am Yisrael v’ Iran Chai !
Renet strydom
March 2, 2026 at 10:08 am
As a South African expat, this is a very well written report. We pray together with you. This report should be published and send to social media
Nicolette E Bedford
March 2, 2026 at 10:59 am
Thank you for explaining the history, and up to date happenings politically in Iran. May the ANC get on their knees before GOD and ask for forgiveness for past ignorant stupidity aligning our South Africa with the satanic regime of Iran. May our leaders use their brains to think each for themselves and not be lead by brain washed old cadres.Too many have died for freedom in Iran and a period of mourning should be for them.
Roger Junior
March 2, 2026 at 5:46 pm
At last, the world will see freedom
Sonja
March 2, 2026 at 6:51 pm
Does the ANC ever read this? I think not.
Mbiko
March 3, 2026 at 4:37 pm
Is Donald Trump not satanic too
Bendeta Gordon
March 2, 2026 at 12:25 pm
Well written Shervin.
Evil cannot be allowed to continue in this world.
Good people cannot sit idly by while people are oppressed and suffer.
So grateful to President Trump and 🇺🇸 forces. May G-d protect them.
May G-d protect Am Yisrael from harm and give strength to the IDF and our leaders 🇮🇱
Purim sameach 🙏🏻
Katie Savage
March 2, 2026 at 12:56 pm
Many South Africa’s citizens stand with Israel and Iran freedom.
These government officials only speak from their back pockets as they were funded by the terror regime.
They do not seak on our behalf. They are in themselves corrupt and only seek their own protection and money.
Ghaana
March 2, 2026 at 4:50 pm
What a touching message!
So all these wise people were suppressed?
God will protect you Isreali and Iranian people.
KOFI SIMPEY
March 2, 2026 at 10:18 pm
May the Lord arise and let his enemies be scattered…
May the Lion of Judah continue to roar.
Ilse
March 3, 2026 at 7:36 am
Thank you for this explanation. May your beautiful, incredible nation be free from the evil stronghold that was suppressing the Iranian people. May God protect the innocent!
Ernest Sloan
March 3, 2026 at 8:05 am
Its a sad day when South African politicians don’t know their world history. Always condemning the only democratic country in the Middle East for years of evil aggression against her. ISRAEL our prayers are with you and we support your contribution in destroying the unadulterated evil portrayed against her. We pray blessings upon you, we pray for wisdom and protection. We plead with South Africans to turn to GOD blueprint for man. Ask for forgiveness and turn to the only true GOD and creator Elohim..
GOD bless all who support Israel
GOD bless the Iranians who are crying out for freedom from tyranny. Down with the IRGC. Down with the mullahs and their evil doctrines of hatred.
Brian Tillie
March 3, 2026 at 9:40 am
Great at last people coming together.
Hope South Africa is next to get their act together
David Crossley
March 3, 2026 at 11:41 am
What a wonderful article to peace and cooperation!
Let us hope that sense will prevail and that the evil that is currently oppressing the people of Iran will be removed and allow two great nations to once again share their talents and cultures.
Jane DeLa Porte
March 3, 2026 at 4:09 pm
Those of us who know our Bibles and the history rejoice in this message.
We pray as a body of believers often for the Iranian people.
May The God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob watch over Iran Israel USA and bring the South Arican leaders to repentance before it is too late.
Kyagulanyi Enock
March 3, 2026 at 6:38 pm
What a statement!!! Wow wow
Shahida Cole
March 3, 2026 at 9:14 pm
My thoughts are with you..beautifully written piece. Only way to peace..
Kajan Lakhan
March 3, 2026 at 10:59 pm
🟩🦁⬜👑🟥
Happy pur-im to the Jews and Pur-nim-a (Holi) to the Hindus. And “Pur-asia” also have the Akkadian root word pur.[this maybe a story for another time]
Showing support, from the SA Indian🕉️🔯[ swastika] Hindu community.. slowly we learn about this large world and its endangered founding heritages.
A free country, – in 2️⃣0️⃣0️⃣+2️⃣+6️⃣ -,is really not for any debate.
It’s healthy that the South African voters have united 🗳️, to support the MANDELA moment of Iran😉
..A UN 🇺🇳 United Nations, win, for Secularism, Human Rights #BeingHuman
Kajan Lakhan
March 4, 2026 at 11:04 am
🟩🦁⬜👑🟥
Showing support from the Hindu Indian 🕉️ community.
Aruana
March 4, 2026 at 8:48 pm
Baffles my mind how people can support the current Iranian government. Killing their own people. And SA supports them. What does that say about our government.