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Iranian Jews in Queens angry over spy sentencing

By Michelle Han

The marble-floored halls in the spacious synagogue of Congregation Shaare Tovah in Kew Gardens are empty and quiet for much of the day.

But three times a day they echo with the prayers of Iranian Jews living in Queens, as the faithful seek the freedom and well-being of the 10 Jews found guilty of being spies in their homeland of Iran.

On July 1, 10 of the 13 Iranian Jews who were arrested more than 18 months ago on espionage charges were sentenced to prison terms of up to 13 years. The trial, before Iran