MONTREAL – Last weekend I celebrated joining hundreds of people in the global South and Iranian-Canadians at demonstrations denounced the war with Iran and confronting the Zionist regime’s invasion.
A temporary pause of hostilities – avoiding the US and child-killing regime attacks on our hometowns – we still have to look back at what the 12th revealed about Iranians overseas.
From the moment the attack began, Iranian peace activists have long been facing hostility from anti-Iranian lobbies in Europe, Canada and the US to oppose war and sanctions, but are mobilized strongly.
They denounced the attack while demanding neutrality from the government. Despite immeasurable pressure that could silence any movement, activists of all walks have organized protests around the world. Meanwhile, European Iranians have worked to establish independent groups, amplifying the voices of the political sphere.
Anti-Iranian lobbies spent years trying to break the diaspora, but the Iranian community was surrounded by an alliance of anti-war advocates and global justice moves, but thwarted their enemies with a massive, unified demonstration. Thousands of people have gone through political and cultural differences, from London, Paris and Berlin to Montreal, Toronto and Sydney to the streets. The Iranian flag, a symbol of rebellion, proudly waving it as a hymn “I have Iran!” And “Iran, Iran!” reverberated all over the world.
Many of the organizers were second generation immigrants, who grew up abroad, but were deeply connected to their hometowns. Iranian advocates didn’t need external support, but the diaspora protests sent a clear message. No matter where we live, regardless of our differences, we are in an unwavering position on Iran’s issues.
Alongside the global freedom fighters, we demand not only ending the war, but solidarity with the global South. Palestine occupation and genocide have been eradicated. My bond with Iran is not broken. Our resolve is unshakable.