Being Iranian: 20th Century Jewish Life in Iran

Jewish life in Iran underwent repeated political, cultural, and social transformations over the course of the 20th century, allowing for integration and upward mobility and mass migration from Iran. Jews integrated into Iran in the 20th century and participated in seminal political movements that granted them citizenship rights, legal equality, and a form of nationalism that was inclusive of minority communities. Jews both supported and opposed the 1978-1979 Revolution which held possibilities and peril, resulting in the departure of most Jews from Iran, leaving behind a small segment of what had previously been a thriving community.

As part of the “Jews of Iran” series from Project Mosaics, students will examine Jewish experiences in 20th century Iran while practicing their critical reading, constructive discussion, and persuasive writing skills. During the lesson, students will reflect on “unexpected consequences” before looking at the ways revolution, modernization, nationalism, and ideology contributed to the changing conditions of Jewish life in Iran. Students will study broad narratives of Iranian society before focusing on case studies of two Jewish women during the 1978-1979 Revolution. Lastly, they will view the “Being Iranian” film and photos of Iranian Jews in the 21st century to create a persuasive infographic that conveys the value of learning about the Jews of Iran to help make someone a “better global citizen.”