Re:       13 Arrested Iranian Jews- Update

We continue to monitor events regarding the 13 arrested Iranian Jews in close consultation with the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.  They have now confirmed that the trial of the Iran 13 has concluded with the presentation of the written summation by the attorneys.  It is expected that a verdict may be announced by the end of the week unless further delay tactics are employed.  At the conclusion of the formal hearings last week, the prosecution introduced a request to present testimony of the supposed Muslim co-defendants.  The following day several were interrogated and one day later two Muslims were arrested.

The nature of the testimony or the disposition of their cases are still unknown.  This maneuver violates all accepted forms of judicial process and was strongly protested by the attorneys for the Jewish defendants.

As we anticipate the verdict, the Orthodox Union and the Rabbinical Council of America, in cooperation with the Conference of Presidents, are urging a number of actions:

1.    We call for a Yom Tefillah, a day of prayer, for Monday, June 12^th with special prayer services in synagogues and schools.  Please find the list of the names of the 13 arrested Iranian Jews, and the recommended lists of tehillim that we have been asking our members to recite.

2.    An international petition effort that will be done together with the Conference of Presidents and our European counterparts will be circulated.

3.    Numerous governments around the world are making demarches and sending formal communiques to the government of Iran regarding the outcome of the trial.  There are additional initiatives being undertaken by several parliaments, including the United States Congress, that will adopt measures that will link the verdict with economic implications for Iran.  Congress continues to begin each day with a presentation on the Iran 13, and there will be another special order in conjunction with the day of prayer on June the 12^th. 

This is a most sensitive time and there are many developments inside Iran that could impact the verdict.  The above mentioned steps have been undertaken after consultation with the families of the 13 arrested Iranian Jews and those most knowledgeable and closest to conditions in Iran, including the trial.

Again, given the delicacy of the developing situation, we will be in touch with you very soon regarding any new developments.  Please feel free to call us at (212) 613-8124 with any questions you may have.