The spirit of Purim is what we need to take on Iran

This week, Jews around the world will mark the festival of Purim. Beneath the fun and frivolity is a message as relevant now as it was in Esther’s day: the importance of standing up to tyranny. When Russian forces first crossed into Ukraine, after an extended period of massing threateningly on its borders, there was a widespread assumption that President Zelensky would capitulate. Outnumbered and outgunned, what chance did he have? But he defied expectations by standing tall. And look at the difference it has made. The vast majority of the world is rooting for Ukraine to survive and remain independent.

Sadly, the lessons of history seem to have been lost on the western powers that are meekly concluding negotiations with Iran in Vienna this week. Yes, President Trump did not curb the nuclear threat. While his “maximum pressure” sanctions gutted the Iranian economy and cause the regime to draw in its horns overseas, Tehran went on to pursue the bomb with renewed vigour.

But the solution pursued by the Biden administration does even less to address the problem. It looks worryingly like capitulation to tyranny. Sanctions will be lifted without a commitment from Iran to fully dismantle its nuclear programme; and with the “sunset clauses” rapidly approaching, Tehran will benefit from hundreds of billions of dollars while maintaining a holding pattern, awaiting the right moment to dash for the bomb.

There is no easy answer. But it’s the attitude that counts. The lessons of Purim in ancient Persia in the 5th century BCE must be heeded today, when we are faced with belligerence from modern-day Iran. Mordechai and Esther knew very well how to face down despots. President Zelensky knows. The Israeli leadership understands it, too. The tragedy of our times is that Joe Biden and his western allies have yet to learn the same lesson.

Mordechai and Esther knew very well how to face down despots, as does President Zelensky