Cancer-Stricken Long Island Jeweler Imprisoned in Iran

A Long Island jeweler, Kamran Hekmati, who is battling cancer, is currently detained in Iran for visiting Israel over a decade ago. His family is making urgent pleas for his release.

Hekmati, who is 70 years old and holds dual American and Iranian citizenship, was arrested while on a trip to Iran, as shared by his cousin, Shohreh Naufar. This incident occurred last spring during one of his regular visits to his homeland.

After his arrest, he was sent to the infamous Evin Prison, known for its harsh conditions, as punishment for attending his son’s bar mitzvah in Israel years prior.

As his family’s nightmare unfolds, they, along with Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-Long Island), have reached out to Secretary of State Marco Rubio seeking help. “He just wants to go home,” Naufer mentioned, noting that Hekmati repeatedly expresses his desire to be released.

Originally from Persia, Hekmati moved to the U.S. about 13 years ago but maintained strong connections with Iran. Naufer explained that he frequently visited, cherishing the time spent with friends and family there, making trips at least two or three times each year. “He really loved Iran,” she added.

Prior to his latest trip, Hekmati underwent surgeries and chemotherapy for advanced bladder cancer, requiring treatment every three months. However, those treatments have been halted since his detention, after Iranian officials confiscated his passport and sentenced him to prison.

“The authorities claim his sentence is due to his visit to Israel seven years ago,” Naufer stated, explaining that the law prohibiting travel to Israel was enacted after Hekmati made the visit for his son’s celebration. “He was there 13 years ago, long before the law was in effect.”

Initially sentenced to four years, Hekmati’s term was later reduced to two years, according to reports from The New York Times. He is among four American citizens currently in Iranian custody.

Naufer expressed concern about Hekmati’s communication with family. He has only been able to connect through friends and a lawyer, unaware of his specific location within Evin Prison or if he is receiving adequate medical care. “We don’t allow outside doctors to visit prisoners,” she noted. “I fear he’s not getting the treatment he badly needs.”

In light of the situation, Suozzi recently sent a formal letter urging action from Secretary Rubio. He emphasized the disturbing nature of Hekmati’s detention, reflecting on Hekmati’s contributions to the Long Island community, including his role on the Great Neck Estates Zoning Board of Appeals, and underscored the humanitarian reasons for his immediate release.

Hekmati’s family, aside from Naufer, has opted to remain silent but has communicated with government officials about the situation. “We just sit back and hope they do something,” Naufer concluded, sharing that he is inherently kind and always looks to help others.

“The irony is that the country he loved so much, the country he held dear, has turned against him.”