On the exact week when Jews worldwide celebrate their deliverance from annihilation in ancient Persia, a conference in Atlanta will unite Jews, Christians, Israelis, and Iranians to confront threats to freedom and stand with Israel. The Root & Branch Unity Conference, scheduled for March 6-7 in Atlanta, GA, arrives at a moment when history appears to be repeating itself—an Iranian regime seeks Israel’s destruction, just as Haman sought to destroy the Jewish people 2,500 years ago in the Persian Empire.
The timing carries additional weight. The conference falls during the anniversary week of co-founder Marziyeh Amirizadeh’s arrest and death sentence in Iran for converting to Christianity. Her story of imprisonment, torture, and miraculous release mirrors the ancient narrative of Megillat Esther (the Book of Esther)—divine intervention saving lives under Persian tyranny.
The Bible records Persia as both Israel’s oppressor and liberator. When the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem and the First Temple in 586 BCE, he exiled the Jewish people to Babylon. Fifty years later, Persian King Cyrus conquered Babylon and issued a decree allowing Jews to return home and rebuild the Temple. The prophet Isaiah even called Cyrus God’s “anointed one”:
“So said the Lord to His anointed one, to Cyrus, whose right hand I held, to flatten nations before him, and I will loosen the loins of kings, to open portals before him, and the gates shall not be closed. I will go before you, and I will level mountain peaks; I will break doors of copper, and I will cut down iron bars” (Isaiah 45:1-2).
Cyrus recognized the God of Israel and facilitated the return of thousands of Jews to their land. This act of liberation stands as one of the most significant moments in Jewish history. Without Persian support, the Second Temple would never have been built.
Yet Persia also produced Haman, the villain of the Purim story, who sought genocide against the Jews. Queen Esther and her uncle Mordechai thwarted his plot, leading to his execution and the Jews’ deliverance. The festival of Purim commemorates this victory, celebrated annually on the 14th and 15th of the Hebrew month of Adar.
The Root & Branch Unity Conference recognizes this dual history. While the Islamic Republic of Iran threatens Israel’s existence today, many Iranians reject their government’s ideology. An underground Christian revival sweeps through Iran, with estimates of hundreds of thousands converting despite severe persecution.
Marziyeh Amirizadeh embodies this transformation. Arrested in March 2009, she spent 259 days in Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison. Authorities charged her with acting against national security, apostasy, and blasphemy—crimes punishable by death. Prison guards beat and tortured the women. They faced interrogations designed to break their faith. Iranian authorities sentenced them to death, but international pressure led to their release in November 2009.
Since gaining freedom, Marziyeh has dedicated her life to helping Iranian believers and advocating for regime change. Through NewPersia.org, she works to support the Christian community inside Iran and raise awareness about religious persecution. She speaks at conferences worldwide, sharing her testimony and calling for the end of the Islamic Republic. Her ministry connects with underground house churches in Iran, providing resources and encouragement to believers who risk their lives to worship.
The Christian awakening in Iran represents one of the fastest-growing movements in the world. Despite government crackdowns, house churches multiply throughout the country. Young Iranians, disillusioned with Islamic rule, seek spiritual alternatives. Many find their way to Christianity, studying the Bible in secret and gathering in homes to worship. This movement parallels the biblical narrative—just as some Persians converted to Judaism after witnessing God’s deliverance during Esther’s time, modern Iranians convert to Christianity after witnessing the failures of Islamic governance.
Deputy Consul General of the State of Israel to the Southeast Anna Shteingart will open the conference, followed by a traditional Shabbat dinner. Co-founder Jonathan Feldstein, who leads the Genesis 123 Foundation, will guide participants through Shabbat rituals. The conference deliberately spans Friday and Saturday to coincide with the biblical day of rest, creating space for Jews and Christians to experience worship together.
Friday night’s keynote address by Marziyeh will share her story of imprisonment and current conditions in Iran. Saturday’s program includes panels on Israel featuring Robyn Lubin, mother of Sgt. Rose Lubin, an Atlanta native who joined the Israel Defense Forces and was murdered in a terrorist attack by a 16-year-old Palestinian Arab on November 6, 2023, outside Jerusalem’s Old City. Congressman Earl “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) plans to participate and offer his perspective.
Rabbi Jonathan Hausmann of Congregation Ahavath Torah in Stoughton, Massachusetts, will lead an interactive Bible study during Shabbat lunch, bringing together Jewish and Christian participants. An Emory University law school graduate, Rabbi Hausmann has spent years building bridges between the two faith communities.
The “Christian Voices for Israel” panel Saturday afternoon will feature Pastor Rod Ginn, Events Coordinator for Christians United for Israel, the largest pro-Israel organization in the United States with over 10 million members, and Kelly Wright, Senior White House Correspondent for CBN. Wright will also participate in a gospel-influenced Friday evening service welcoming the Sabbath. Journalist Arlene Bridges Samuels, a veteran advocate for Israel, will moderate the panel. Christian teenagers will join the discussion to explain why Israel matters to their generation.
Root & Branch combines the work of NewPersia.org and the Genesis 123 Foundation. The organization pioneered an olive harvest pilgrimage in Israel, bringing Christian volunteers to participate in the biblical harvest. The third annual harvest will take place in fall 2026. Root & Branch produces anointing oil from these harvested olives, blended with biblical fragrances, with proceeds supporting Israelis affected by the war that began with Hamas’s October 7, 2023 massacre.
The conference aims to deepen connections between Jews and Christians while highlighting the Iranian people’s struggle for freedom. Just as ancient Persia held the keys to Jewish restoration under Cyrus and Jewish survival under Esther, the future of Iran could determine regional stability and Israel’s security. A free Iran, aligned with democratic values and rejecting Islamic extremism, would transform Middle Eastern geopolitics.
The conference connects biblical prophecy with current events, demonstrating how ancient patterns repeat in modern times. Persia threatened the Jews during Haman’s era. Persia liberated the Jews under Cyrus. Now Iran’s regime threatens Israel while Iranian believers embrace faith traditions that honor the God of Israel. The Root & Branch Unity Conference brings these threads together, uniting those who stand for freedom, faith, and Israel’s right to exist.
For registration information and details, visit www.RootandBranchisrael.com or contact RootandBranchIsrael@gmail.com.
