Israel has launched a military operation targeting Iran, named "Operation Rising Lion." This name carries significant meaning, especially for the Iranian people who have faced oppression under the Islamic regime for over four decades. The name is inspired by a passage from the Bible, specifically Numbers 23:24, where the prophet Balaam speaks of the Jewish people rising like a lion.
The symbolism of a rising lion resonates deeply with Iranians. Before the 1979 Islamic revolution, Iran’s flag featured a lion and a rising sun. This emblem was replaced by the current regime with a stylized representation of Allah and the phrase "Allahu Akbar." Despite this change, many Iranians still use the lion and sun flag as a symbol of resistance against the government.
Historically, the lion and sun have been national symbols of Iran, dating back to the twelfth century. While it was prominently used during the Pahlavi Dynasty, its roots run much deeper in Iranian culture. The flag first appeared officially during the Safavid Dynasty in the sixteenth century.
In recent years, protests against the Iranian government have intensified. The Green Movement in 2009 saw many citizens rise up against the regime, but the response was brutal, with many protesters killed. During this time, the U.S. government, under President Obama, chose not to support the movement, which has been a point of contention among critics.
In January 2023, reports indicated that anti-government protests in Iran had resulted in at least 522 deaths, including minors and security forces. Thousands of people were arrested, with many facing severe charges. These protests reflect ongoing discontent with the current regime and a desire for change.
Operation Rising Lion seems to signal a message from Israel to the Iranian people, suggesting that Israel is not their enemy. Instead, it appears to express hope for a future where peace and friendship can flourish as the lion rises again, reminiscent of a time before the Islamic regime took power.