Sylvan Adams Meets Reza Pahlavi in Paris, Presents Jerusalem‑Stone Mezuzot and Calls for Prepared Israel–Iran Diplomacy

World Jewish Congress Israel President Sylvan Adams met Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi in Paris on Sunday to outline a shared vision for a democratic Iran and to begin preparations for the eventual restoration of diplomatic ties between Israel and a future Iranian government.

The two leaders discussed hopes for a free, pluralistic and representative Iran, and for renewed relations between the Iranian and Jewish peoples. They described the meeting as the start of ongoing cooperation to ensure that, if and when Iranians regain their freedom, the foundations for rebuilding bilateral relations will already be in place.

“We are discussing the hope for the freedom and liberation of the Iranian people, who have suffered for many years and long for freedom,” Adams said, calling the meeting a conversation about liberty and future cooperation.

Adams expressed confidence that change is near and pledged broad Jewish support for Pahlavi’s vision. "I believe this will happen in the very near future. The entire Jewish people support your vision of a free, pluralistic, representative, and democratic Iran, and we will stand shoulder to shoulder with you," he told the crown prince.

Pahlavi placed their goals in historical context, saying the aspiration for coexistence has deep roots. "What we seek to achieve in the 21st century actually began 2,500 years ago," he said, noting that Iran and Israel share longstanding historical and cultural ties.

He also memorialized recent violence in Iran, saying thousands have been killed amid unrest. "Thousands of Iranians have recently been killed. They did not die so that a strait would remain open or for the sake of a nuclear agreement. They died for freedom," Pahlavi said, adding his gratitude for Jewish and Israeli solidarity with Iranians seeking liberty. His remarks were reported as an implicit critique of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s policy approach toward Iran.

Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi (L) meets World Jewish Congress President Sylvan Adams in Paris, France, July 26, 2026. (credit: Leah Marciano)

Looking ahead, Pahlavi said Iran could be rebuilt with international assistance once the current regime and the threats it poses are removed. He invited Adams to visit Tehran to scout sites that could later host Israeli and Iranian embassies.

Adams, a real estate developer by profession, said he intends to travel to Tehran at the appropriate time to identify a property that could one day serve as Israel’s embassy in a free Iran.

As a symbolic gesture of hope, Adams presented Pahlavi with two mezuzot carved from Jerusalem stone. The mezuzah cases contain scrolls handwritten by an Israeli sofer stam of Iranian descent, linking the gifts to both Jerusalem and Iran. One mezuzah is intended for Israel’s future embassy in Tehran; the other is designated for a future Iranian embassy in Jerusalem.

"My hope is to arrive in Tehran very soon and find a property where Israel's embassy will be established. I brought two mezuzot, one that I hope we will affix together at Israel's embassy in Tehran, and the other that will be placed at Iran's embassy in Jerusalem," Adams said.

Both men agreed to maintain contact and to continue strengthening ties between Iranian and Jewish communities, expressing hope for a future defined by freedom, peace, cooperation and shared prosperity. The meeting was presented by participants as the beginning of a longer process to prepare for post‑regime diplomacy.

Photo: Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi (left) meets World Jewish Congress President Sylvan Adams in Paris, France, July 26, 2026. (Credit: Leah Marciano)

Reporting contribution: Idan Kweller.