A unique, closed-door meeting took place on Monday night between Israeli MKs from both the coalition and opposition, alongside key figures from the Iranian opposition. The meeting, organized by MK Dan Illouz (Likud), was conducted via Zoom and focused on strengthening connections with the Iranian people, who seek freedom from the oppressive regime of the Ayatollahs.
This event was part of a collaboration between the Ohr Torah Interfaith Center, which is a division of the Ohr Torah Stone network, and the Middle East Center. Its primary goal was to foster direct dialogue between Israeli public officials and Iranian opposition leaders from various factions, offering an opportunity to hear from the Iranian public and explore methods to encourage the fall of the extreme Iranian regime.
The meeting was also held under the condition of anonymity; therefore, neither pictures of the event nor the names of Iranian opposition participants were released.
MK Illouz said, “The Jewish people and the Iranian people stand together against a common enemy – the extremist regime of the Ayatollahs. The same people who launch missiles at our cities are also shooting at any Iranian who dares to dream of a better future with freedom.”
He further explained: “We are in the same struggle, and we must stay in contact. We belong to two magnificent civilizations that have contributed so much to the world. Once the regime falls, we will be able to resume cooperation, whether it’s finding a cure for cancer, creating new art, or in countless other areas. We share a magnificent past and an incredible future; our only problem is the present, due to one barrier – the regime.”
Iranian opposition hopes Israel's stance, actions inspire regime change
In response, representatives from the Iranian opposition expressed their gratitude for the meeting and voiced hope that a clear Israeli stance against the regime would inspire millions of Iranians to take to the streets and demand their freedom.
They emphasized that the majority of Iranians oppose the regime but are waiting for a signal from the free world, with Israel poised to play a pivotal role.
They urged Israel to support a united Iran, warning that its fragmentation would lead to chaos, not stability, in the Middle East. One participant even proposed practical steps, such as a future conference in Jerusalem between opposition leaders and Knesset members to discuss the potential for Israeli-Iranian partnership.
Tom Wagner, founder of the Middle East Center, which coordinated the participation of key Iranian opposition figures, remarked, “This is a very important dialogue. Israel and the Iranian opposition have many shared interests and values. The entire Israeli public, especially its leaders, should engage in constructive dialogue with freedom and peace advocates in the Middle East who view Israel as a partner for cooperation, and there are many such people.”
Rabbi Dr. Aharon Ariel Lavi, director of the Ohr Torah Interfaith Center, added: “In a world full of commentators and think tanks that speak ‘about’ the Iranians, we decided to initiate direct dialogue between decision-makers in Israel and those in the movement we hope will become Iran’s transitional government towards a new future.
“The fall of the regime is closer than ever, but that is just the beginning of the process. After that, we will need to invest an entire generation to build a new Israeli-Iranian partnership, and tonight, we planted the seeds for that.”
All participants agreed to continue the dialogue and meet again in the future.
Illouz closed the meeting by stating, “With a potential ceasefire on the horizon, now is the time to deepen the connection with the regime’s opponents among the Iranian people, the first victims of the Ayatollah regime. Through Operation Rising Lion, the State of Israel opened the door for them; it is now their turn to enter and fight for their freedom against the dark tyranny.”
“This is a historic opportunity for the Iranian people to demand their freedom. Two ancient civilizations stand against a common enemy, and their partnership is the hope for a free and better future for all. We salute the Iranian people, and we believe in them,” he concluded.