Feb. 28, 2026

On this Shabbat Zachor (Shabbat of Remembrance), the Shabbat immediately preceding the holiday of Purim, we read the story of Amalek, whose descendant, Haman, brought the evil of his ancestors into the world during his time. Reading the story of Amalek before Purim reminds us to be God’s partner in blotting out evil from all corners of the earth.

For decades, the Islamic Republic of Iran has brought evil upon its own people, who have suffered horribly under a regime whose cornerstone was “Death to America, Death to Israel.” This past January, while much of the world looked the other way, tens of thousands of non-violent Iranian protestors were brutally murdered by the Iranian regime. The courage of the Iranian people, the vast majority of whom despise the regime and its forever wars against the United States, Israel, and the West, continue to inspire us. 

We also take inspiration from our friends in the Iranian Diaspora, including leaders such as Ali Alizedeh who argued just days ago in the Minnesota Star Tribune, “[w]e hope. We pray. We wait for meaningful intervention that can help free our country from the despotic and corrupt grip of the Islamic Republic.” Moments ago, Mr. Alizedeh shared with us the following, “[t]he vast majority of Iranian people in and outside of the country are hopeful and humbled by the help they are receiving from United States and Israel. We truly see a bright future for Iran and the region.”

We hold in our hearts the extraordinary men and women of the American military involved in this operation, including members of the Minnesota National Guard, whose courage and fortitude make us proud to be American. Our community is thankful for their service and sacrifices that they and their families continue to make on behalf of all Americans.

The bravery and exceptional skill of the members of the IDF and Israeli intelligence services, who for decades have fought Iran’s terrorist proxies such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, continue to be a tremendous credit to not just the State of Israel, but all Am Yisrael. Here too, we hold their safety closely in our hearts.

Many of us have been in contact with our families and friends in Israel who, as we write this, are being targeted by Iranian ballistic missiles and are seeking shelter. We pray for them, along with all those across the region who find themselves in harm’s way from the regime’s retaliatory attacks.  

We encourage our community to observe Purim together as proud Jews in the days ahead. Know that along with our law enforcement partners and agencies, JCRC Community Security is working tirelessly to protect our local communities as we gather in Jewish spaces.  As always, we ask our community members to remain vigilant. 

May we live to see a day when evil is truly wiped out from this earth, and all people can live in freedom and peace.