TEHRAN – What began as a strict religious gathering in the heart of Iran’s capital erupted into one of the largest anti-Israel demonstrations in recent memory as it filled a 10-kilometer stretch between Imam Hossein and Azadi square on Saturday evening.
The major public event, named “Iran; Ali’s Zulfical” began in Tehran at the same time as a similar event nationwide. It was originally organized to commemorate Shiite religious holidays as crowds responded to Israel’s recent missile attacks on Iranian soil.
Speaking to the Tehran Times, one of the participants said: “We are followers of our loyal commander (Imam Ali). We are not friends with fair weather in Iran. We stand up to our country even in difficult times.”
“Death to Israel! Death to Netanyahu!” recited the crowd. Many participants condemned Israeli strikes and welcomed the launch of Iran’s retaliatory missiles to Tel Aviv.
Thousands embraced Aloft placards along with handwritten signs, holding the face of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Revolution.
Among the protesters was Samira Farhadi, a 38-year-old university lecturer. He attended the event with his two teenage sons. “We started to pray and sadden,” she said.
One attendee at the ceremony said: “We’re here to take a blow to the mouths of America and Israel.
Nearby, a group of young men dressed in black drums were drummed with slogans and rhythms, and their fists rose into the sky. One of them, Mohammad Qadami, 26, sought a full military response. “It’s not just revenge,” he said. “It’s defense. They started this and now they have to feel our rage.”
On both sides of the street there were thousands of mixing stalls set up to handle people with food, candies and drinks.
Another participant said, “After hearing the news of some martians of our commanders and military personnel, I couldn’t sleep at all and continued to cry for our martial artists…”
“We are not warm people, but what else can we do when they attack our hometown,” said Fatemeh Badran, a 52-year-old teacher from Tehran, the southern part of the country.
A few metres away there was a group of boys waving an Iranian flag, chanting “Palestine is not alone.”
The dominant mood was one of rage, but not everyone in the crowd sought escalation.
“Everyone must unite against Israel. We must stand firmly in our country. By attending such rituals, we demonstrate our support for our hometown and leadership.
“I came here and declared that I am a soldier of Imam Khamenei, a soldier from Islamic Iran, and am ready to sacrifice my life.”
Meanwhile, retired civil servants urged restraint. “I support the government’s response. We’ve seen war before. It’s all about blood and thirst.”
That worry was echoed by a 34-year-old woman who took her elderly parents to a gathering. “My heart hurts for our soldiers,” she said, “But my heart fears our children. If this turns into war, none of us will sleep in peace.”
“I filled the tank and bought rice, oil and bread,” said Mahmoud Rezaei, the 45-year-old father of three. “No one knows what tomorrow will bring.”
A local bakery in West Tehran reported record sales. “This reminds me of the war days of the 80s,” said 62-year-old Mina Assady. “At that time, we lived every day. History seems to be knocking again.”
The father of a family of five also said: “We take part in the march of Gadir every year. We would like to thank the soldiers and troops of our country for responding to enemy attacks.”
Another participant said, “Please let the US and Israel know that their attacks will not affect Iran’s nuclear energy progress. It is the duty of the Iranian people to support the government and face a strong Zionist regime.”
The 14-year-old boy attending the event said, “This crowd has come to celebrate Eid al-Gadir to declare that Zionists will not challenge us.”
The middle-aged woman said, “We stand by the Supreme Leader and we will follow him until the last moment.”
Another attendee noted:
“It is our national duty to be here. I say to Netanyahu, your end is near. We will continue to stand with our country and our leaders.”
“I hope for a stronger attack by Iran’s Islamic Republic on the Zionist regime. Last night’s strike was a balm for a sad heart,” said the young man standing by his wife.
The young man responding to the brutal attacks of the Israeli regime, stated: “For 45 years we have been waiting for Israel to move.
The clergy attending the meeting said:
“Our dear military men are working hard in this hot climate and we stand for Islamic warriors. May God please God with this sacred day right, reveal his hand of power to the nation, bringing defeat and misery to the Zionist regime.”
“The message is clear,” said Mohammad Jalali, a seminary student. “We are ready. We are not afraid. And we will never forget.”