Israeli Prime Minister Bennett sends greetings to Iranian people: Israelis and Iranians share a common threat – the regime in Tehran
Also, undercover cameraman in Tehran documents Iranians lambasting their leaders – footage broadcast on Israeli TV
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett reached out directly to the Iranian people though a video message on Sunday, wishing them a happy Nowruz – the Persian New Year which is celebrated at the beginning of the spring.
Bennett noted that nowruz in Persian means "new day" and he wished a new day to the Iranian people.
"The Israeli people and the Iranian people share so much … We are both vibrant peoples with ancient histories and rich cultures who seek a brighter future," the prime minister said.
"Together, we also face a common threat – the brutal and oppressive Iranian regime, whether the IRGC [the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps], the world's single largest terrorist organization, its proxies, or the Basij [paramilitary].
"We know that the Iranian regime does not represent you and they continue to deny you the freedom that you deserve. We hope you rid yourselves of this cruel and ruthless regime and reach true freedom. Nowruz Piruz – Happy Nowruz!" Bennett said.
At the end of his greeting, Bennett said, “I long for the day when we can be friends again, as we once were."
On Sunday, for the first time since the 1979 revolution, an Israeli news channel aired the first episode in a series that was filmed in Iran. An Iranian dissident whose name remains undisclosed for security reasons was sent as a cameraman to document daily life in Tehran.
His footage depicts the country’s cratering economy, frustrated residents, drug abuse and prostitution, according to a Times of Israel report. The series is airing on Channel 12.
The dissident said he took the risk of walking around the streets of Tehran with a camera that was hidden most of the time. He heard Iranians accusing the regime for their financial hardships.
“To our sorrow, we don’t have independence here, there’s no freedom, no democracy and no normal life. There is dictatorship, theft and crime. I know what I’m doing, and it’s definitely very dangerous,” the cameraman said.
“I know the consequences of my actions. You have to stand and fight, and not give up. I hope that soon Iran will be freed from the dictators,” he said.
I have a special message for the Iranian people on the occasion of #Nowruz: pic.twitter.com/GHMTtwGbqW
— Naftali Bennett בנט (@naftalibennett) March 20, 2022
Tal Heinrich is a senior correspondent for both ALL ISRAEL NEWS and ALL ARAB NEWS. She is currently based in New York City. Tal also provides reports and analysis for Israeli Hebrew media Channel 14 News.
