Iranian Jewish Leader Executed by Iran in State-Sponsored Killing May 10, 1979

(Washington, D.C., May 10, 2022)—B’nai B’rith President Seth J. Riklin and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:

Today we pause to remember Habib Elghanian, a victim of Iran’s brutal state-sponsored regime, killed on this date in 1979.

Elghanian was the president of the Tehran Jewish Society when Iran’s tyrannical regime began civilian executions. Targeted because he was Jewish, Elghanian was a generous and forward-thinking philanthropist who aided many aspects of Iranian life, including funding the Hosseinieh Ershad Mosque in Tehran.

Though today we specifically remember Habib Elghanian, his murder serves as just one example of more than four decades of Iran’s terror, both within Iran and globally.

May his memory always be a blessing.

B’nai B’rith International has advocated for global Jewry and championed the cause of human rights since 1843. B’nai B’rith is recognized as a vital voice in promoting Jewish unity and continuity, a staunch defender of the State of Israel, a tireless advocate on behalf of senior citizens and a leader in disaster relief. With a presence around the world, we are the Global Voice of the Jewish Community. Visit www.bnaibrith.org.