Iran’s supreme leader calls Western objectification of women ‘a Zionist plot’
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed the West’s view of women as “a Zionist plot,” aimed at destroying community, in a series of tweets he posted on Iranian Mother’s Day.
The occasion is celebrated on the anniversary of Fatimah Zahra’s birthday, a daughter of Islam’s Prophet Mohammed, who Khamenei described as “the perfect role model for Muslim women.”
Hazrat Fatimah’s character & conduct as a true leader & also an exemplary spouse & #mother provides a “perfect role model for Muslim women.”
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) March 19, 2017
With a grandeur & stature beyond human’s understanding & imagination,yet one of Hazrat Zahra’s roles was being a “mother, wife & housewife.”
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) March 19, 2017
The supreme leader then turned his attention to the Western world, criticizing what he considered its views on gender issues, claiming that the objectification of women was most likely “among the Zionists’ plots to destroy human community.”
Designating women as goods & means of pleasure in western world, most probably, is among Zionists’ plots to destroy human community.
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) March 19, 2017
Khamenei also criticized the promotion of “Western concepts” such as “gender justice” and “gender equality,” claiming that justice is about realizing the capabilities granted by God.
In west, concepts like ‘gender justice’ or ‘gender quality’ are promoted while justice is realizing & nurturing capabilities God has gifted.
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) March 19, 2017
The tweets were quickly trolled, with the head of the Israel Delegitimization Unit at the World Jewish Congress among those to challenge the leader.
"Shut up, Khamenei." IDF soldiers pic.twitter.com/vY5cJXZx7r
— Sacha Rojtman Dratwa (@SachaDratwa) March 19, 2017
What Margaret Thatcher would have said to @khamenei_ir : "Shut up, Khamenei." pic.twitter.com/UjqJP5OCXy
— Sacha Rojtman Dratwa (@SachaDratwa) March 19, 2017
Hey @khamenei_ir, try saying that to their face? 👩🏼 💪 🇮🇱 cc. @SachaDratwa@IdoDanielpic.twitter.com/Lu5mmYwSr7
— Arsen Ostrovsky (@Ostrov_A) March 19, 2017
@khamenei_ir Why should men not have the option to enjoy this same great privilege? Sexism is an injustice for all people. pic.twitter.com/ZfHnUWGJ6F
— Jane Janerson (@mstanyajane) March 19, 2017
@khamenei_ir
— Robert E (@robhike) March 19, 2017
Greetings Supreme Leader! a quick message from women pretty much everywhere: pic.twitter.com/jf16SJE3KD
The message from the grand ayatollah was that, while women were no different from men in ‘spiritual ascension,’ ‘leadership power’ or their ‘ability to guide humanity’, women differ in areas like “duties in handling life.”
Khamenei is no stranger to hitting Twitter to criticize Zionism.
Evil Zionist regime tries more than any other enemies to weaken Iran-Azerbaijan brotherly ties; in response, close ties must be maintained.
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) March 5, 2017
Imperialism or global Zionism is a malignant, deceitful &oppressive front which is against religious beliefs and independence of #Iran.
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) August 28, 2016