Israel yesterday started a major diplomatic effort to try to secure the release of more than a dozen Iranian Jews, who have been charged by the Iranian authorities with spying for Israel and who now face trial and, it is feared, possible execution.
Israel's Foreign Minister, Mr Ariel Sharon, spoke yesterday with the UN Secretary-General, Mr Kofi Annan; Israel's chief rabbi turned for help to the Pope and to Islamic spiritual leaders in the Arab world; and President Clinton and European leaders are also said to be working behind the scenes to press for the release of the Jews.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry yesterday issued a statement denying that the 13 Jews, rabbis and teachers from the Iranian town of Shiraz, were spies. Reports here last night suggested that a further eight Jews, members of the arrested group's families, were now also being held in custody, having demonstrated for their release.
The 13 Jews were arrested two months ago. Initially, it was suggested that they were being held for allegedly selling alcohol and/or trading in antiquities. Diplomatic efforts were opened immediately to try and quietly secure their release.
But on Monday Radio Tehran broadcast news of the arrests for the first time, and described the charges against the Jews as "spying on behalf of the Zionist entity." One member of the Jewish community in Iran, contacted yesterday by the Israeli media, said it was hoped that the Jews would be set free next week. But there are fears of a show trial and possible death penalty. Two years ago two people said to have spied for Israel and the US were hanged in Tehran.
Some Israeli and Western diplomatic officials believe that the Jews have been caught up in the power struggle in Iran between the forces determined to maintain the radical Islamic legacy of the late Ayatollah Khomeini and the relatively moderate supporters of President Muhammad Khatami. In that light, the arrests can be seen as an effort to embarrass the Iranian President as he seeks closer ties with the West.
Iran's Jewish community has been dramatically depleted in the past two decades, as tens of thousands left for the US and Israel. Of the 100,000 living in Iran in 1979, no more than a quarter of that number are still there.
The relationship between the Jewish community and the Iranian authorities is said to be tense but stable. Just a few days ago the community is reported to have participated in state events marking the 10th anniversary of Khomeini's death, and to have issued a formal statement expressing sorrow at his passing.
Israeli officials initially declined to comment on the arrests, for fear of exacerbating a highly delicate episode. But the Radio Tehran broadcast forced a change of policy. American Jewish leaders are also pressing the US administration and other international leaders to intervene.