The secretary general of the International Union of Assyrians says unity among all ethnic groups in Iran was an important factor in the victory of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Yonathan Betkolia, who is also a member of Iran’s parliament (Majlis), said people have been the greatest support to the revolution.
Because of unity among different ethnic and religious groups, the revolution bore fruit under the leadership of the late Imam Khomeini, he explained.
All ethnic and religious groups participated in the revolution to get rid of the despotic regime of Shah, he added.
Imam Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic had issued special instructions to the government officials and relevant authorities to protect rights of minorities living across Iran.
Imam often released messages and delivered speeches to highlight the rights of Christians, Jews, Zoroastrians and followers of other religions.
Imam also invited all followers of divine religions to become united under flag of monotheism to confront all conspiracies hatched by ill-powers against the oppressed nations.
Coming from a family of scholars, who for generations had devoted their lives to offering religious guidance to the people, young Rouhollah began his education by memorizing the holy Qur’an and later went to Arak (1920-21) and Qom (1923) to complete his religious studies.
During the 1930s, Imam Khomeini dedicated his time to teaching Islamic jurisprudence in Qom.
In 1961, Ayatollah Khomeini became a source of emulation and gradually entered the political arena. In January 1963, he engaged in activities against the then-monarch of Iran, Mohammad-Reza Pahlavi, who had announced his so-called White Revolution program.
Imam Khomeini changed the lives of Iranians and inspired people from other countries by guiding one of the greatest revolutionary movements of modern history to victory.
The Islamic Revolution, under the guidance of the late Imam Khomeini, established a new political system based on Islamic values.
Senior Iranian officials have always been emphasizing on the unity among all layers of the society
Iranian president has recently addressed the Christian war veterans who rendered sacrifices during the imposed war.
“Iran belongs to all Iranians including Muslims, Christians and other religious minorities,” President Rouhani said in a recent meeting, stressing that every Iranian citizen should make ultimate efforts to help the nation’s progress.
On the occasion of the Christmas in 1987, Imam Khomeini send a message of felicitations to all the Christians all over the world.
In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
The Almighty God's greetings and salutations to the Holy Christ, son of Mary, the Spirit of God, and the honorable prophet who resuscitated the dead and awakened the drowsy! Greetings and salutations of the Great God to his dignified mother, Virgin Mary and virtuous saintly woman, who, through the divine breath, offered such a great son to those who were thirsty for divine mercy! Greetings to the clerics, priests and monks who, through the teachings of Jesus Christ call the rebellious souls to peace! Greetings to the free nation of Christ, who enjoy the divine teachings of Christ, the Spirit of God!
… I request you the great nation to warn the heads of some Christian countries who support the oppressive through their diabolic powers and crush a nation under the pressure of their oppression and acquaint them with the teachings of Holy Christ.
I request the Christian clerics to advise some of the heads of powerful countries and denounce their support for a person who has turned his back to the divine teachings. The Holy Qur'an has mentioned the name of Holy Christ with magnificence and has purified Holy Mary. It is the duty of the Christian nation to pay their debt to the Muslim nation. Peace be with you.
Rouhullah al-Mousawi al-Khomeini
Sahifeh, vol5, Page: 762
Place: Neauphle-le-Chateau, Paris, France