By Kayhan Life Staff
On the first anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas assault on Israel, a group of Iranian journalists, political activists, and artists living abroad traveled to Israel to show their support for the Israeli people and for the families affected by that brutal and inhumane terrorist act.
Their itinerary included touring the site of the Oct. 7 terrorist attack in Kibbutz, viewing an exhibition of weapons supplied by the Islamic Republic to terrorists in Gaza, and engaging in discussions with Israeli officials and researchers.
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“Our message is peace and friendship between the people of Iran and Israel,” the delegation said.
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs shared several photographs of the delegation’s visit and expressed gratitude to the Iranian allies “who consistently stand with the people of Israel.”
A message on X (formerly Tweeter) from @IsraelPersian said: “The citizens of Iran do not represent the Islamic Republic. This week, Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed a remarkable group of Iranians living abroad who came to Israel to commemorate the events of Oct. 7 and to advocate for peace and friendship between our two nations. A heartfelt thank you to all Iranian friends who consistently stand with us.”
The post featured four images of the visiting group in Israel.
A year has passed since the Hamas terrorist operation against Israel. On the morning of Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas forces executed a significant attack against Israel, which has been described as the most severe act of violence against Jews since the Holocaust.
On that day, Hamas attackers killed over 1,200 Israeli and non-Israeli citizens and took approximately 250 hostages, some of whom were subsequently killed in the days that followed.
The United Nations Human Rights Council has described the attack as both a “crime against humanity” and a “war crime.”
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The visit to the Serifin barracks near Israel’s northern borders was a key stop on the Iranian group’s itinerary. At this facility, the Israeli army showcased various pieces of equipment and weaponry used by Hamas in its conflict with Israel.
Iranian journalists and activists at the Serifin barracks in northern Israel saw a range of automatic firearms, rocket launchers, mortar launchers, and rockets — predominantly manufactured in Iran.
While some of these weapons originated in Russia and other nations, they were supplied to Gaza by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) for use against Israel.
Kamal Penhasi, a spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), a Farsi speaker, along with his colleagues, provided insights to visitors regarding how the Islamic Republic extends financial and military support to Hamas and other terrorist organizations.
A video clip of Penhasi and another officer from the IDF discussing the weaponry captured from Hamas was posted by Kayhan London on X (formerly Twitter).
In the exhibition, the Israeli military showcased books and pamphlets that illustrated how the Islamic Republic indoctrinates Hamas forces, most of whom are Sunni Muslims. Several of these publications are associated with the ideologies of Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic, and advocate for Islamic fundamentalism in opposition to Jews.
The Iranian delegation included Hamed Jamalbashi Fard, also known as Hamed Fard, an Iranian rapper born in 1989 in Shiraz. His music addresses social issues in Iran and the challenges faced by its people. He has produced several underground music videos in Iran that have gained international recognition.
Another Kayhan London post featured a video clip of Fard speaking at the precise location where Hamas gunmen assaulted festival-goers during the Nova festival on Oct. 7.
The visiting delegation also featured Golsa ‘Goldie’ Ghamari, an independent politician from Canada who has represented the Carleton riding in the Ontario Legislative Assembly since 2018. Before her political career, she practiced law, focusing on international trade law.
Throughout her time in office, Ghamari has championed initiatives to enhance school transportation services and advocated for the mandatory use of life jackets during children’s water activities. She has also been vocal in her criticism of the Iranian government and has expressed support for Reza Pahlavi, the former Crown Prince of Iran.
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Among the delegates was Nazenin Ansari, an Iranian journalist and managing editor of Kayhan London, and Hamid Saeidi, an Iranian-American musician, composer, and Grammy Award winner recognized for his exceptional skill with the Santur, a traditional Persian hammered dulcimer.
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Saeidi merges Persian classical music with contemporary and international styles, resulting in a distinctive blend of sounds. He is a founding member of Opium Moon, the ensemble that received a Grammy Award for Best New Age Album in 2019.
His artistic endeavors encompass world music, film scores, and television soundtracks, showcasing his profound connection to Persian culture while resonating with audiences worldwide. Now living in the U.S., Saeidi continues to create innovative music that bridges cultural divides.
The delegation also included Mahtab Jamali, a British-Persian entrepreneur, fashion designer, and influencer. She is the Founder and Creative Director of Katayoon Ltd.
Alongside her was Katy Amiri Younesi, a distinguished Iranian-American attorney with a varied legal background.
Younesi embarked on her academic path at 17, receiving a full scholarship to New York University. She subsequently received biology, science, and business administration degrees before pursuing a law degree at 26. Her legal practice encompasses various fields, such as family law, personal injury, estate planning, and corporate disputes.
Renowned for her determination and commitment, she has established a successful legal career while overcoming initial obstacles related to her age and gender. Today, she is acknowledged for her proficiency in civil litigation and advocacy aspects.
Following the events of Oct. 7, 2023, the leadership of the Islamic Republic, along with military and political officials, has consistently praised the operation. However, they have officially denied any involvement.
Meanwhile, Amir Saeed Iravani, Iran’s permanent representative to the United Nations, stated in an interview with NBC — part of which aired on Feb. 6 — that Iran has repeatedly addressed its provision of weapons to Palestinian groups.
“We send them weapons, train them and empower them,” he said, adding: “There is some level of coordination, cooperation, consultation with other regional groups, and possibly some financial support as well.”
