Younes Sadaghiani, often called a 'lion of Persia,' has emerged as a fearless advocate in the fight against antisemitism and for Israel's right to exist. During a conversation in Jaffa, a picture frame suddenly fell and shattered behind him. He remarked, 'Mazal tov; the energy of the universe is too strong,' offering a glimpse into his resilient character.
Early Challenges and Resilience
Born under Iran's Islamic Republic, Sadaghiani moved to the UK at age 13 with little English. He faced hostility from classmates who tried to bully him into joining their prayers. 'It made me a fighter and tough,' he recalled. 'They couldn't handle me, as I was already bigger and stronger then.' Two of those classmates were later convicted for ISIS-linked terror plots in the UK, underscoring the dangers he confronted.
Questioning Islam and Finding His Voice
Sadaghiani clarified that his departure from Islam wasn't rebellion but realization. 'Even if I don't have a problem with Islam, Islam has a problem with me, so I need to question it and stand up to it,' he said. He observed radical preachers infiltrating his school, spreading ideologies he now calls 'the Islamic Brotherhood fooling the UK education system.' After learning English, he studied politics at the London School of Economics, shaping his voice as a warrior for truth.
Advocacy for Israel and Critique of Extremism
His support for Israel stems from deep conviction. 'Israelis want to live in peace, but the jihadi culture around them will not allow them,' he explained. He noted that '90% of Iranians want the IRGC gone,' highlighting internal opposition to the regime's terrorism funding. Sadaghiani contrasts radical Islamism with peaceful Muslims: 'Ninety-five percent are lovely, peaceful, good, normal people who just want to party and have a good time. But they are like the grass that hides the snake, the snake being the radicals within; therefore, they fail in their moral duty.'
Media Efforts and Historical Perspective
Starting with humble online beginnings—'When I started, I had 10 views and one like, but I had a burning passion'—he soon gained traction, appearing on TV and traveling globally. Visiting Israel, he found it different from media portrayals. 'It's the other side that hates life, that worships death,' he said. Comparing Israel and Gaza pre-war, Sadaghiani noted, 'So much investment, so much real estate and innovation [in Israel], and the other side is building tunnels.'
He believes Israel 'won the war outstandingly' but lost the information war, with Iran's IRGC and Qatar funding anti-Israel propaganda. 'Jews have always lost the propaganda battle, even when winning militarily,' he reiterated. His message to Israelis and Jews is urgent: 'Don't be afraid, be brave. Iranian people are your friends. Stand up for yourselves; you are on the right side of history.'
Envisioning Future Reconciliation
Sadaghiani aims to build a 'golden bridge' between Iranians and Israelis, referencing ancient ties like King Cyrus and Queen Esther. 'This 40-something years with the IRGC is just a blip in our vast timeline,' he said. He advocates for 'Cyrus Accords' to normalize Israel-Iran relations, seeing Iran's freedom linked to Israel's security. 'The Islamic Republic will collapse, not if, but when,' he asserted, criticizing Western hypocrisy in parroting antisemitic narratives.
In a world often demonizing Israel, Sadaghiani's voice provides comfort. He sees 'history in motion' and urges participation: 'Be part of this era that will define the future. It is like a football game: It is halftime now, advantage Israel, with the second half still to be played.'
