People Come Together in Los Angeles to Support Iran Protesters
Large Demonstration in Los Angeles Supports Iranian Protesters
On Sunday, thousands of demonstrators gathered in downtown Los Angeles to express solidarity with those protesting in Iran.
The rally, titled “Solidarity with the People of Iran,” saw participants waving flags from before the Islamic Revolution. The Los Angeles Police Department estimated that around 4,000 people attended the event, which remained peaceful with no reported arrests.
Activists have stated that a severe crackdown on the nationwide protests in Iran has resulted in thousands of deaths. Demonstrations have surged in major cities, including Tehran, as Iranians call for an end to the theocratic regime.
Los Angeles is notable for being home to the largest Iranian community outside of Iran, a factor that has galvanized support for the protests back home. The recent collapse of the Iranian currency in December has further propelled calls for regime change among Iranians in the U.S.
Kate Dehbashi, one of the rally’s organizers, emphasized the desire for change among Iranians, stating, "Iranians do not want this government. I think they’ve been loud and clear. They want to transition to a new government, and Iran can be very successful like it’s been before the Islamic Revolution."
Many demonstrators shared personal stories, expressing heartbreak over the violence faced by protesters in Iran. Ariel Rofeim, whose Jewish Iranian family fled to the United States over 40 years ago, remarked, “We have so many freedoms here, and what we see happening there is beyond comprehension. This is much bigger than internal politics or an issue that we see happening in the Middle East. This is a battle for humanity.”
