Arash Hamdian

Arash Hamdian is a brave and unique voice within the Iranian opposition in exile. He promotes Iranian Zionism and advances the “Cyrus Accords” as a narrative of Israeli–Iranian peace. He is the co-author of the book “The Cyrus Accords” with Israeli author Tom Wegner. Rather than focusing solely on current politics, Hamdian takes his audience on a historical and cultural journey to the roots of an Iranian national identity that opposes the Islamic conquest of Iran and regards Israel as a historical ally.

In his lectures, Arash Hamdian unveils a fascinating narrative that anchors the future alliance between a free Iran (to be established after the revolution Hamdian hopes for) and Israel:

Cyrus – the first Zionist: He regards King Cyrus the Great as “the first Zionist,” highlighting the historical bond between Persians and Jews that began with the Cyrus Declaration thousands of years ago.

The Cyrus Accords: Hamdian calls for framing the future alliance between the two countries not as a continuation of the “Abraham Accords” (which belong to the Arab-Semitic world), but as a uniquely Persian narrative – the “Cyrus Accords” – which constitutes “a source of shared cultural and historical pride.”

A shared struggle: He presents support for Israel as an integral part of the struggle to overthrow the regime of the Islamic Republic of Iran and to transform Iran into a secular, democratic, Western-friendly state.

Arash Hamdian’s lecture is a fascinating exploration of the cultural depth of Persia, and a strategic vision of the path toward building a new alliance in the Middle East – one founded on shared history and values, not merely on present-day interests.

Languages:

English, Persian, German