As you know from our previous communications, thirteen Jews have been arrested by the Iranian authorities including Rabbis, religious teachers, community leaders and others. The Iranian government has charged the thirteen Jews with spying on behalf of Israel and the United States, as well as violation of Islamic law. Espionage in Iran is punishable by death. The thirteen arrested Iranian Jews are: Javeed Beit Yakov, Nejat Broukhim, Ramin Farzam, Nasser Levi Haim, Faramarz Kashi, Faraz Kashi, Ramin Nemati, Shahrokh Paknahad, Farhad Saleh, Dani Teffilin, Omid Teffilin, Navid Bala Zadeh, Asher Zadmehr.

We have been informed that the Iranian authorities may soon go ahead with the charges against these thirteen Jews. There is no information yet as to when a trial may take place and the Jewish community is concerned about due process.

Action Recommendations: This case of pikuach nefesh is more important yet more sensitive in nature than ever. Because of its unique sensitivity, it is important that concerned American Jews direct their activities in an appropriate, productive manner. Direct correspondence or protest, including street demonstrations, targeting the Iranian authorities are not appropriate and will be counterproductive. The IPA/OU urges the following actions:

Special Prayer Services: We are urging our member synagogues and constituents to recite tehillim in the synagogues on behalf of these imprisoned Jews. Among the recommended chapters of the Psalms are 130, 121, and 20. Shiurim should be conducted by Rabbis and synagogue leaders on the importance of the Mitzvah of Pidyon Shevuyim, "Redemption of the Captives". Material for these shiurim can be obtained by calling 212-613-8123.

1. The President, Vice President, Secretary of State and other U.S. officials have been very active and helpful on this issue. They should be thanked and encouraged to do more. Letters should be written to elected officials asking that they condemn the detention of these thirteen Iranian Jews accused of espionage. The charges are false and the trial and conviction would be a disgraceful perversion of justice. They should continue to urge the Iranian authorities to release these individuals immediately and without harm. Any trial and legal defense should constitute proper due process and be open to the media, including Western media, as well as to international human rights organizations. US elected officials and members of the Administration should be urged to maintain current United States policy towards the Islamic Republic of Iran unless and until that country treats its religious minorities fairly and justly.

2. Letters should also be directed to those countries and leadership that have diplomatic and economic relations with Iran. These include the United Nations, the Vatican, member nations of the European Union, particularly Germany, France, Italy and the Russian Federation. In your letter, please ask for their continued involvement in this moral, religious and human rights violation of the Jewish minority in Iran.

Letters to Iranian officials from the Jewish community are not considered helpful, however, letters to the leaders below are most appropriate and can aid in our efforts.