Facing exile and persecution, an Iranian dissident crossed from devout Muslim to student of Judaism
IRANIAN AFFAIRS: Iranian refugee Behnam Vali Heydarian recounts persecution, attacks, pro-Israel activism, and fears of deportation to Iran after his journey from Islam to Christianity and Judaism.
Behnam Vali Heydarian, known as Ben Vali, led a life shaped by multiple conversions and dangers. Born in Kuwait to Iranian parents, he was raised Muslim. Upon his 17th birthday, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps raided his university over a protest against a reformist newspaper. While the regime claimed only two deaths, human rights groups estimated 17 were killed and many disappeared.
During this time, Heydarian participated in anti-regime demonstrations but did not sever ties with his safety, only fully breaking away at 19, when his father was abducted by security forces.
Haunted by his father's disappearance, Heydarian became his family's provider, dedicating himself to his business and leaving little time for prayer. This busy lifestyle led to a heart attack at 29. After recovering, he experienced a near-death vision, seeing himself dragged into a dark pit and later reliving his entire life. He believed this experience could be either Hell or the biblical "Bosom of Abraham."
His brush with death profoundly impacted him, reigniting his devotion to God and leading him to Christianity. While believing the vision was Hell initially, he now thinks it may have been the Bosom of Abraham. Guided by God's commands, he started believing in Jesus and is now an unrecognized refugee in Switzerland. Despite ostracization from the humanitarian community for supporting Israel, he continues his spiritual journey.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
