Tensions between Israel and Iran have once again erupted into violence, leading to significant unrest among Iranian Americans in the United States.
Bahar Sharafi, an Iranian American and protest organizer, spoke passionately at a recent demonstration, emphasizing the perilous situation back home.
‘I’m an Iranian American. My people are being killed, and they may still be killed,’ she stated, addressing the crowd in Massachusetts.
The Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, which began on June 13, have reportedly resulted in hundreds of casualties according to Iran’s health ministry.
In retaliation, Iran launched missile and drone attacks targeting military installations within Israel, leading to at least 29 deaths and injuries to hundreds more.
Among those affected by the conflict is Kimia Kahalzadeh, a 19-year-old student at UMass Amherst.
She immigrated to the U.S. when she was just six years old and boarded a flight from Tehran shortly before the attacks commenced on June 13.
While still airborne, Kahalzadeh received urgent messages from her family about the immediate danger.
‘My heart sank,’ she recalled.
Tragically, her great-grandmother, who lived near a bombed building, sustained serious injuries from the explosion.
‘She hasn’t been able to walk,’ Kahalzadeh said, expressing relief that her family managed to evacuate her great-grandmother from Tehran.
The shocking nature of the attacks has left many, including Kahalzadeh, grappling with disbelief.
‘These weren’t military targets. There were homes. There were neighborhoods, communities, people,’ she remarked.
As both nations continued to exchange strikes, the conflict escalated further when the U.S. bombed three Iranian nuclear facilities.
However, a tentative ceasefire was announced early on Tuesday, stating that both Israel and Iran would temporarily halt offensive operations.
Despite the ceasefire, many protesters remain skeptical about its longevity.
Sharafi expressed her concerns, stating, ‘We don’t actually trust the ceasefire will hold,’ highlighting the continued fear of escalating conflict.
Ziba Cranmer, another organizer and Iranian American, commented on the historical context of U.S.-Iran relations, noting the consequences of American actions in the region.
‘[The United States] got rid of a democratically elected leader that was wildly popular and very social justice oriented in the ’50s,’ she explained, referencing the U.S.-backed coup that led to the Shah’s rule.
Cranmer insisted that instead of funding military endeavors, resources should be allocated to housing, education, and healthcare.
State Senator Jamie Eldridge, who represents the Middlesex and Worcester districts, demanded Congress take action.
‘Pass the War Powers resolution and stop President Donald Trump from taking us into another war in the Middle East,’ Eldridge urged the crowd.
His sentiments were echoed by staffers from Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey’s offices, who voiced their opposition to President Trump’s recent military actions against Iran, labeling it as ‘unconstitutional.’
Support for a War Powers resolution aimed at curbing further military actions was also expressed during the rally.
Organizers like Sharafi continue to advocate for a permanent ceasefire.
‘There’s a lot of stress and trauma of not knowing what is going to happen. It’s been great that we have allies here,’ she stated, emphasizing the importance of community during such a tumultuous time.
Highlighting the plight of those in the Middle East, she concluded, ‘People don’t deserve to constantly be bombed or threatened.’
image source from：bostonglobe
