Introduction / History

Jews and Muslims having peaceful relations? Though not a perfect relationship, there is hope in the relationship between Muslim Kurds and Jews who once lived in Kurdistan, a region that straddles parts of Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Turkey.
Israel has an extended history with the Muslim Kurds. Jews from Kurdistan began moving to Israel in the 16th century, but the majority traveled there in the "magic carpet" operation following World War II. The "magic carpet" operation moved Jews to Israel to protect them once Israel was declared a sovereign nation. Israelis can identify with the Muslim Kurds who yearn for their own sovereign homeland, and Israelis have made an ally of the Kurdish peoples. A small number of these Kurdish Jews remain in Iran. Most if not all will eventually leave for Israel.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Kurdish Muslims tend to have a greater receptivity to Israeli Jews than they do to Arab or Persian peoples. National Public Radio reported the story of a Kurdish Muslim and a Kurdish Jew marrying and returning to Iraq in secret. Not all is perfect, however. Kurdistani Jews in Israel are often seen by Israeli Jews as poorly educated and unsophisticated.

What Are Their Beliefs?

In Israel, rabbinical Judaism replaced the temple with the synagogue, the priesthood with the rabbi, and the sacrificial ceremony with the prayer service. Emphasis was placed on study of the Torah (Hebrew name for the first five books of the Bible), and the function of this world as preparatory for the world to come. However, many Jewish people in Iran are non-observant. Those who practice Judaism can be divided into the Orthodox (traditionalists) who adhere to the traditional beliefs and practices, and the Moderns, who may hold to traditional beliefs but no longer strictly observe the practices.

What Are Their Needs?

The Jewish peoples in Iran need to hear from Muslim background believers about the savior who set them free from sin and death.

Prayer Items

Pray for the Kurdish Jews to seek Christ and carry him in their hearts.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to call many to his side and to disciple others in the ways of the Messiah.
Pray for loving workers.

Scripture Prayers for the Jewish, Hulaula in Iran.