A coalition of over a dozen organizations gathered in Philadelphia on Saturday to protest U.S. involvement in the ongoing Israel-Iran war, advocating for de-escalation and a ceasefire amid escalating violence.
The conflict, which ignited on June 13 with Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites, has prompted fears of wider regional instability. As tensions rise, protesters expressed their concerns regarding the ramifications of U.S. intervention in the war.
Parham Parsa, a 27-year-old Iranian expatriate who moved from Tehran to Philadelphia at 17, shared his perspective on the crisis. He voiced his dismay over the impact of Israel’s attacks, which, he claims, have overstepped their intended targets and are now affecting civilians in Tehran.
Parsa described the current situation in Tehran, noting that many residents are fleeing the city. “The first couple of days, people were like, ‘Oh, it’s just targeted attacks,’” Parsa recounted. “But at this point after two weeks of bombardment, people are scared. People are leaving Tehran, and it’s just really messed up.”
Having family still residing in Tehran, Parsa expressed deep concern for their safety. He relayed the tragic news of a child killed in one of the bombings, emphasizing the severe human cost of the conflict.
“We’re looking back at history, we know that freedom of our people are not going to ride the coattails of Israeli bombs,” he stated, highlighting the complex dynamics surrounding the war on Iranian civilians.
As the war continues, the toll has been significant, with reports indicating at least 657 casualties in Iran—over 200 of whom were civilians—and at least 24 dead in Israel. In light of this grim context, rally participants urged the U.S. to abstain from military involvement.
David Gibson, a staff co-coordinator with Peace, Justice, Sustainability NOW, voiced similar sentiments during the protest. “War doesn’t bring democracy. War risks further aggression,” Gibson asserted, underlining the potential dangers of U.S. engagement in the conflict. “It doesn’t help the people of the region and the U.S. shouldn’t be getting dragged into it.”
He further called upon Congress, particularly Pennsylvania Senators John Fetterman and Dave McCormick, to support the bipartisan War Powers Resolution aimed at limiting presidential authority to initiate military actions without Congressional approval.
Gibson criticized President Donald Trump’s approach, noting that his administration should not unilaterally decide on matters of war, which he argued should require broader consensus and legislative support.
“We just saw millions of people in the streets saying that this country shouldn’t be run by kings,” he mentioned. “This president, who wants to be a king, shouldn’t be deciding if we get involved in a war between Iran and Israel. That’s not what we should be doing.”
State Senator Nikil Saval, who also spoke at the rally, echoed the call for restraint, asserting that their views are shared by a significant portion of the American populace across political and demographic lines.
Local resident Alex Brunson voiced concerns about the potential consequences of U.S. military action, stating, “Trump should not do anything, because I know if he does anything, it’s gonna mess it up.” He warned of escalating tensions, drawing an analogy to adding salt to a wound, suggesting military intervention could provoke further aggression from Iran.
Significantly, one protester displayed the Iranian flag adorned with the words “Women, life, freedom,” a slogan that emerged from the movement against Iran’s regime following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022. This highlights the dual struggle faced by many Iranian activists against both the oppressive regime in Iran and the military actions taken against the country.
Parsa and fellow community members are implementing initiatives to support those affected by the war, including a gathering known as “hamdeli,” which means “shared heart” in Farsi. This event in Philadelphia’s Washington Square Park aims to provide emotional support to the Iranian diasporic community.
“We just want people to know that Iranian people are kind,” Parsa said, expressing a desire for a broader understanding of the Iranian populace beyond the context of government actions. “I think we can move past this regime and these times, as long as people actually see us as what we are, as these kind loving people that we are.”
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