Watching the unprecedented attacks by Iran on Israel was deeply troubling for many Americans, Israelis and the civilized world. While Iran has sponsored terrorism and attacks on Israelis via Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis — the attack coming directly from Iranian soil was reckless and deeply personal.
My family fled religious persecution in Iran in 1979 — during the heart of the revolution. Iran has been held hostage by the radical fundamentalist Islamic Republic, which, in the last 40 years, has forced the Jewish community and many others to flee to the United States, Israel and other places.
Iran was once one of the world’s cultural capitals. It had a strong economy, cultural diversity, a high-quality educational system, and even political and religious freedoms. There was a modern and progressive way of thinking among its citizens. My family spoke fondly of the opportunity and benefits of living there in the pre-revolution days. They wanted their children to enjoy these same freedoms that evaporated so quickly.
My family had to flee Iran with nothing. However, because of the freedoms and ideas, my grandparents and their children found opportunities in the United States. They rebuilt the life they wanted to have in Iran. My family went on to create a successful technology company. It is a testament to the freedom and opportunity that America presents — our success is a manifestation of the American dream.
The Iran my family knew remains hostage to the radical regime that governs it and suppresses the religious freedoms and cultural advancements that we all too often take for granted in the United States.
By launching the attack on Israel, Iran has proven that its leaders have no intention of fostering a peaceful solution in the region. It is no secret that Iran funded the terrorist attacks of October 7 and continues its assault on humanity with the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. It is shameful — but finally, many global leaders offering support.
The United States played a significant role in preventing a tragedy in Israel, as did many Arab nations. The attack underlines a critical reality — the alliance between Israel and several other Arab nations remains strongly united against Iranian aggression. The United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries view the threat from Iran as overshadowing any issues it may have with Israel.
After the attacks from Iran, calls for restraint by Israel are ringing hollow — even to those who used to call that country home. The Iran the world once knew is no more. The Islamic Republic’s actions were not just an attempt to destabilize Israel but also at the alliances it has built in the region in the name of peace.
The United States and the world community have a significant interest in preventing Tehran’s nuclear aspirations and desire to fracture the alliances Israel has built with the Arab world.
Iran must be stopped. Israel must be allowed to defend itself and the freedoms that America and the rest of the world hold dear. When it comes time to stop the Iranian aggression — be it directly or through its proxies, the United States must show that it stands with Israel and defends its ideals.
As someone whose family fled the oppressive regime in Iran, I know the importance of standing against tyranny and defending freedom wherever it is threatened. The world cannot afford to ignore the dangerous path that Iran is treading. It is imperative that the international community, led by Israel and the United States, take decisive action to curb Iran’s aggressive behavior and protect the security and stability of the region.
For too long, Iran has been allowed to act with impunity, sponsoring terrorism and threatening its neighbors. It is time for the world to unite against this common threat and send a clear message to Tehran that its belligerent actions will not be tolerated. The future of peace and stability in the Middle East depends on it.
In the face of Iranian aggression, we must stand with Israel and all those who cherish freedom and democracy. The values my family and countless others have fought so hard to uphold are worth defending, and we cannot afford to falter in the face of adversity. Together, we can and must confront the challenge posed by Iran and ensure a brighter, more secure future for generations to come.