The 2025 Ceremony: Themes and Messages
The 2025 commemoration at Yousef Abad sought to revisit Khomeini’s vision not just through a Jewish lens, but through a broader spiritual and moral framework. One of the central themes of the night was Khomeini’s insistence on the unity of divine religions in resisting imperialism and moral decay.
A speech by Dr. Elie Khalafi, a Jewish historian and author, reflected on how Khomeini’s anti-imperialist rhetoric resonated with various religious communities who had themselves faced marginalization under global empires. “Khomeini saw the struggle of Palestinians and other oppressed nations as part of a broader moral duty—this transcended Islam and embraced the teachings of all divine prophets,” he remarked.
Youth representatives presented readings from Psalms, focusing on verses about justice, righteousness, and peace. These themes were aligned with Qur’anic principles and emphasized the shared ethical foundation of Judaism and Islam. The evening concluded with a rendition of the Jewish prayer for peace, Oseh Shalom, and the Islamic Surah Al-Fatiha recited in unison by a visiting Shiite cleric from south Tehran, symbolizing interreligious solidarity.