The untimely and shocking passing of former U.S. Senator and vice-presidential candidate Joseph Lieberman at the age of 82 marks a significant loss of principled leadership and patriotism in American politics. Lieberman, who served Connecticut in the Senate for nearly a quarter of a century, leaves behind a legacy of principled leadership, bipartisan collaboration, and unwavering commitment to his beliefs.
His political career was marked by numerous milestones, including his historic nomination as the first Jewish politician to join a major party U.S. presidential ticket in 2000, when Al Gore selected him as his running mate.
Lieberman’s activism transcended domestic politics, reflecting a broader foreign policy vision. His perspective vis-à-vis the Iranian regime distinguished Lieberman from many of his contemporaries. His advocacy for the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) and the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) went beyond mere rhetoric, demonstrating his broader commitment to global democratic ideals and human rights. Lieberman’s support was rooted in a deep-seated belief in their mission to bring about change in Iran, a stance that earned him respect and recognition among his peers and colleagues.
Furthermore, Lieberman’s engagement with the Iranian resistance movement underscored his understanding of the strategic importance of Iran in Middle Eastern politics and the global fight against religious dictatorship and extremism. By aligning himself with the NCRI and PMOI/MEK, he sent a clear message about the United States’ commitment to supporting democratic movements and opposing oppressive regimes. This alignment also highlighted his foresight in recognizing the potential of the Iranian opposition to play a pivotal role in Iran’s future. His active engagement involved speaking at international conferences, meeting with opposition members, and using his platform to draw attention to the plight of those fighting for freedom in Iran.
In a political landscape often dominated by short-term interests and regional biases, Lieberman’s steadfast support for the Iranian resistance movement marked him as a principled leader willing to stand up for democratic values, even when it conflicted with official government policy.
In a political landscape often dominated by short-term interests and regional biases, Lieberman’s steadfast support for the Iranian resistance movement marked him as a principled leader willing to stand up for democratic values, even when it conflicted with official government policy.
His speeches, which repeatedly underscored the legitimacy, preparedness, and democratic vision of the NCRI and MEK, aimed to inspire confidence in both Iranian and international audiences that a free and democratic Iran was within reach. While his passing marks the end of an era, his words will continue to resonate with those who share his vision for Iran’s future.
One of the central figures in Lieberman’s support for the Iranian resistance was his endorsement of NCRI President-elect Maryam Rajavi’s 10-point plan for the future of Iran, which envisions a secular, democratic, and non-nuclear republic of Iran.
Lieberman emphasized the existence of a viable alternative to the Iranian regime, praising the NCRI and MEK for their enduring struggle against both the Shah and the Ayatollahs.
In his speech at the Free Iran World Summit 2023, he said, “Is there an alternative to the regime in Iran? Of course, there is. It is the overwhelming majority of the people of Iran who want to be free again and live lives equal to those in the rest of the civilized world. And is there an organization ready to lead the transition to power by the people of Iran? Of course, there is. It’s the NCRI and MEK. There are other opposition organizations to the regime. But I ask you, is there any one of them or gathering of any group of them that could bring together the world leaders who are in this room, the leaders of the parliaments who are just up here? Is there any other organization that has and has had… No, right, for years the Resistance fighters were on the ground in Iran.
“The NCRI and MEK have earned the right through the leadership of Massoud Rajavi to Maryam Rajavi, decades of fighting against the Shah, against the Ayatollahs to lead the transition to freedom. They have earned it, but I will tell you this, they are ready for it. We have talked a lot today, as we should always, about the Ten-Point Plan of Mrs. Rajavi. It’s a great plan, a plan for freedom, equality, and opportunity for the people of Iran. It’s one that every civilized democratic nation in the world should enthusiastically support.
“But the NCRI and Mrs. Rajavi have something else. They have a transition plan. It is out there for everybody to see. And it is a selfless plan that shows that this organization is not about seizing power. It is about making sure that the people of Iran seize power when this regime falls. It’s a plan that begins with a transition to early elections, to have a constituent assembly from the people in Iran that will then adopt the constitution, hopefully very much like the Ten-Point Plan, and will elect leaders of the country.
“I’ve been over this plan. I’ve been over it with Mrs. Rajavi. I will tell you, in my opinion, in the history of uprisings, and rebellions, for freedom in the world against dictatorships, there has never been a group of revolutionaries that are prepared to avoid chaos and provide a smooth and peaceful transition to freedom than this group, NCRI, MEK, and the people of Iran. So, there is an alternative.”
Lieberman’s support for the Iranian resistance indicated his perception of the threat the Iranian regime posed to the region. It seems he had accurately predicted the events we are now witnessing in the Middle East, including the incendiary actions of the Iranian regime. For this reason, he well understood that supporting the people’s resistance to a secular and democratic republic was the flip side of striking at the heart of Tehran’s regime’s octopus of terrorism and warmongering.
Hamid Enayat is a political scientist, a specialist on Iran, and collaborates with the Iranian democratic opposition (NCRI).
Joseph Lieberman’s Legacy: A Courageous Voice for Iranian Democracy
Hamid Enayat
The untimely and shocking passing of former U.S. Senator and vice-presidential candidate Joseph Lieberman at the age of 82 marks a significant loss of principled leadership and patriotism in American politics. Lieberman, who served Connecticut in the Senate for nearly a quarter of a century, leaves behind a legacy of principled leadership, bipartisan collaboration, and unwavering commitment to his beliefs.
His political career was marked by numerous milestones, including his historic nomination as the first Jewish politician to join a major party U.S. presidential ticket in 2000, when Al Gore selected him as his running mate.
Lieberman’s activism transcended domestic politics, reflecting a broader foreign policy vision. His perspective vis-à-vis the Iranian regime distinguished Lieberman from many of his contemporaries. His advocacy for the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) and the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) went beyond mere rhetoric, demonstrating his broader commitment to global democratic ideals and human rights. Lieberman’s support was rooted in a deep-seated belief in their mission to bring about change in Iran, a stance that earned him respect and recognition among his peers and colleagues.
Furthermore, Lieberman’s engagement with the Iranian resistance movement underscored his understanding of the strategic importance of Iran in Middle Eastern politics and the global fight against religious dictatorship and extremism. By aligning himself with the NCRI and PMOI/MEK, he sent a clear message about the United States’ commitment to supporting democratic movements and opposing oppressive regimes. This alignment also highlighted his foresight in recognizing the potential of the Iranian opposition to play a pivotal role in Iran’s future. His active engagement involved speaking at international conferences, meeting with opposition members, and using his platform to draw attention to the plight of those fighting for freedom in Iran.
In a political landscape often dominated by short-term interests and regional biases, Lieberman’s steadfast support for the Iranian resistance movement marked him as a principled leader willing to stand up for democratic values, even when it conflicted with official government policy.
His speeches, which repeatedly underscored the legitimacy, preparedness, and democratic vision of the NCRI and MEK, aimed to inspire confidence in both Iranian and international audiences that a free and democratic Iran was within reach. While his passing marks the end of an era, his words will continue to resonate with those who share his vision for Iran’s future.
One of the central figures in Lieberman’s support for the Iranian resistance was his endorsement of NCRI President-elect Maryam Rajavi’s 10-point plan for the future of Iran, which envisions a secular, democratic, and non-nuclear republic of Iran.
Lieberman emphasized the existence of a viable alternative to the Iranian regime, praising the NCRI and MEK for their enduring struggle against both the Shah and the Ayatollahs.
In his speech at the Free Iran World Summit 2023, he said, “Is there an alternative to the regime in Iran? Of course, there is. It is the overwhelming majority of the people of Iran who want to be free again and live lives equal to those in the rest of the civilized world. And is there an organization ready to lead the transition to power by the people of Iran? Of course, there is. It’s the NCRI and MEK. There are other opposition organizations to the regime. But I ask you, is there any one of them or gathering of any group of them that could bring together the world leaders who are in this room, the leaders of the parliaments who are just up here? Is there any other organization that has and has had… No, right, for years the Resistance fighters were on the ground in Iran.
“The NCRI and MEK have earned the right through the leadership of Massoud Rajavi to Maryam Rajavi, decades of fighting against the Shah, against the Ayatollahs to lead the transition to freedom. They have earned it, but I will tell you this, they are ready for it. We have talked a lot today, as we should always, about the Ten-Point Plan of Mrs. Rajavi. It’s a great plan, a plan for freedom, equality, and opportunity for the people of Iran. It’s one that every civilized democratic nation in the world should enthusiastically support.
“But the NCRI and Mrs. Rajavi have something else. They have a transition plan. It is out there for everybody to see. And it is a selfless plan that shows that this organization is not about seizing power. It is about making sure that the people of Iran seize power when this regime falls. It’s a plan that begins with a transition to early elections, to have a constituent assembly from the people in Iran that will then adopt the constitution, hopefully very much like the Ten-Point Plan, and will elect leaders of the country.
“I’ve been over this plan. I’ve been over it with Mrs. Rajavi. I will tell you, in my opinion, in the history of uprisings, and rebellions, for freedom in the world against dictatorships, there has never been a group of revolutionaries that are prepared to avoid chaos and provide a smooth and peaceful transition to freedom than this group, NCRI, MEK, and the people of Iran. So, there is an alternative.”
Lieberman’s support for the Iranian resistance indicated his perception of the threat the Iranian regime posed to the region. It seems he had accurately predicted the events we are now witnessing in the Middle East, including the incendiary actions of the Iranian regime. For this reason, he well understood that supporting the people’s resistance to a secular and democratic republic was the flip side of striking at the heart of Tehran’s regime’s octopus of terrorism and warmongering.
Hamid Enayat is a political scientist, a specialist on Iran, and collaborates with the Iranian democratic opposition (NCRI).
Did you enjoy this article?
You'll love our roundtable.
Editor's Picks
Israel and the Internet Wars – A Professional Social Media Review
The Invisible Student: A Tale of Homelessness at UCLA and USC
What Ever Happened to the LA Times?
Who Are the Jews On Joe Biden’s Cabinet?
You’re Not a Bad Jewish Mom If Your Kid Wants Santa Claus to Come to Your House
No Labels: The Group Fighting for the Political Center
Latest Articles
Dating, DMs & Lie Detectors ft. Zach Margs
Confronting Personal Tragedy: A Rosh Hashanah Reflection
Sweet Devotion: An Apple Cake Recipe
Beware: the Durban Delirium Trumped the Essential Lessons of 9/11
Rosner’s Domain | A Rough Balance Sheet of the Past Year
Two Dolls
The Apology I Never Got and Will Never Send
I find myself constantly creating scenarios in my head where someone who used to be my best friend reaches out and apologizes for everything.
At the Threshold of 5787: Eight Tests of Resilience
A Rosh Hashanah Reflection
Still Committed to Plan A
What I learned most from the people who told us their stories is that the Australian Jewish community is in a state of shock but is resilient, going about its day-to-day life in the way Jews have practiced for generations in the face of hatred.
Jewish Parents Can’t Ignore What’s Being Taught in Schools
There is an important distinction between education and advocacy. We should insist that Jewish and Israeli voices are not silenced.
The Definitive Look at Israel’s Wartime Decision-Makers
As Israel stands on the cusp of an election and the U.S. enacts economic sanctions against Iran after military strikes failed to achieve a definitive victory, a newly released book serves as a must-read to understand the current moment.
The Case for Optimism
If we change our focus, we can see the world differently, and do what Jews do well – make the world better.
Elevate Your Tzedakah on the High Holy Days
While we may never fully know the spiritual outcome of our High Holiday prayers or the impact of our repentance, the tangible power of tzedakah is undeniable. Every dollar contributed leaves an imprint.
How Do People Change?
When does the Jewish calendar ask us to study human transformation? Rosh Hashanah — what we might call “the beginning of transformation.”
The Universalism that Makes Room for Difference
Judaism insists that there is something precious about belonging to a particular people, observing a particular tradition, and living within a particular covenant. But precisely because it does not require every human being to join that covenant, it can make room for difference.
Inward, Upward, Outward
Every new year confronts us with a seminal question: What in our lives is worth repeating, and what needs to change?
For Whom the Siren Tolls
How best to handle the sirens this Sept. 11?
This New Year, Become a Spiritual Warrior
We need to conquer new ways for the New Year that will expand and deepen our strategies and skill, accessible pathways for renewed expression of our souls, impervious to the evil surrounding us.
California Bill Would Add Jewish Identity to State Demographic Data
Under SB 1387, California law would state that “ethnicity” is inclusive of Jewish identity.
Jewish Federation Los Angeles Names Becky Sobelman-Stern Deputy CEO
Sobelman-Stern will share executive responsibility for the organization with Rabbi Noah Farkas, the L.A. Federation’s president and CEO.
High Holy Days Sermon Preview
Ahead of the High Holy Days, the Journal reached out to rabbis in our community and asked what they will be speaking about from the pulpit this year.
How Israel Brings Adversaries Together
Ironically and tellingly, the biggest obstacle that both Vance and El-Sayed face is their refusal to separate themselves from even more noxious denigrators of the Jewish state and the Jewish people.
Rosh Hashanah – The Holiday of Creation
From Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur, we try to focus on and go deeper into the inner life. This includes making an honest reckoning of where we cheated and failed and where we lived up to our best values.
What if Rosh Hashanah Were a Best Friend?
This thought came to me while I was visiting with my friend Dennis Prager and we discussed him writing our Rosh Hashanah cover story.
Chosen Links by Boaz – Ep 19 | 9/11: Remembrance and Resilience, 25 Years Later (Part One)
‘As a Jew’ Jews—Shut Up!
The “speaking as a Jew” Jews should not be speaking for anyone—especially not their people. They are not authorized spokespersons. The task was never delegated to them. They would be the last to be chosen.
More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.