Iran’s Jewish community is facing increased harassment, surveillance, job dismissals, attacks on homes and businesses, and pressure to publicly denounce Israel, according to a new investigation published Tuesday by the Jewish Chronicle.

The investigation, based on interviews with 20 Iranian Jews, found that members of the community are increasingly vulnerable to accusations of supporting Israel or spying for the Mossad. Several said the pressure has intensified since the regional conflict escalated and following anti-regime protests earlier this year.

One Jewish shopkeeper in Tehran said his business had been vandalized twice, including an incident in which its windows were smashed and an anti-Zionist message was painted on the wall. Other Jewish business owners alleged that their properties were targeted by forces linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Five Iranian Jews told the newspaper that they had lost jobs in the public or private sector over the past year. One man said security officials questioned him about relatives in Israel, demanded that he publish anti-Israel material online, and terminated his employment after he refused.

The investigation also found that Jewish children have been forced to attend pro-government demonstrations, burn Israeli flags and chant anti-Israel slogans. One mother said her 10-year-old son was struck by a teacher after failing to participate enthusiastically enough.

Public declarations of loyalty by Iran’s official Jewish leadership were described by several community members as statements made under intense pressure. One Iranian Jew said the regime could not punish Israel or the United States, “so they take their revenge on us.”

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