To be disgusted that Iranian dissidents are being branded "filthy Zionists" in London rally

[Twiglets1]

The Jewish Chronicle reports that a pro-Palestine mob branded Iranian dissidents “filthy Zionists” at a rally in London on Saturday.

Thousands marched through the capital in support of Palestine, with some brandishing placards bearing images of Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei and the words "the right side of history".

The Iranian regime has killed thousands of Iranian protesters in recent weeks, with the death toll exceeding 30,000, according to some estimates.

A counter-demonstration organised by pro-Israel campaign group Stop the Hate was stationed at the junction of Kingsway and Aldwych Street, where a large screen had been put up. Footage of torture carried out by Hamas and of the Islamic Republic Guards Corp (IRGC) attacking protesting Iranians played on the screen. Stop the Hate said it aimed to highlight how the "silence" of Saturday’s protesters when it came to Iran’s brutal crackdown.

A banner held by one pro-Palestinian demonstrator targeted Iranians who want the exiled Crown Prince of Iran, Reza Pahlavi, to return to replace the ayatollah. It read: "Pahlavi-supporting Iranians who stand alongside the Israeli flag are just filthy Zionists."

Another demonstrator called on the Home Office to "deproscribe Hezbollah and Hamas", while several banners read "Globalise the intifada" – an arrestable offence in Greater London.

One protester, who did not want to give his name, told the JC of his belief in the need for Palestinian "resistance" and attempted to justify the atrocities of October 7 by saying "Hamas didn't have a choice", adding that "Israel should have never existed in the first place."

https://www.thejc.com/news/uk/pro-palestinian-protesters-brand-iranian-dissidents-filthy-zionists-rbbad30f

This is were focusing on one side is problematic. Within the Palestinian society, gay/trans rights aren't great. Child marriage is very much a thing. Girls are dying because their bodies aren't equipped to deal with pregnancy, because they are children. Thus is within both groups. Both groups share a similar culture, being the same religion.

Yes, it’s hatred of Israel.

It's utterly depressing.

Would like to think it's a small minority of pro Palestinian protestors that hold such extreme views.

But then again none of the more moderate ones have commented so far to say that so who knows. It could also be that I just want to believe that most protestors in the UK are moderate.

You're not unreasonable to be disgusted.

You'd be very unreasonable to be surprised.

One thing I learnt from working weekends near Trafalgar Square was to ignore all speeches, banners and slogans at protest meetings.

They're all bullshit. Here today and gone tomorrow.

The Iranian regime funds Hamas.
If the Iranian regime is toppled, Hamas will be in big financial trouble- they don't have many other friends in the Middle East.
It really is that simple.

Hamas are using their Western useful idiots to attack the Iranian protests- I would call the idiots morally bankrupt, but that would be assuming that they are capable of making fact based decisions rather than just parroting whatever slogans they have been told to parrot. They are an absolute embarrassment.

didnt vote, but as an Iranian citizen I despise those pro monarchists who align with Israel as much as those who want to see the continuation of the regime, both of whom are manipulating the pain and suffering of ordinary people for their own gains. No more do most people want a return to a monarchy than they do anything else. British people talking here about ‘the enemys enemy is not your friend’ need to be careful to understand that this works both ways. If you want to support Iranians then lobby your governments to remove the sanctions decimating our people.

Israel also funded Hamas.

We should keep out of their mess because they all lie.

@Twiglets1 is definitely 'discussing things in good faith'. Hope that helps your comprehension.

Are they really all pro monarchists or just people who are desperate for a regime change and Pahlavi seems a better alternative than what they are currently suffering?

It would be better if there was a different option than Pahlavi but not sure there is - you will know better than me as an Iranian citizen.

I definitely am and lots of people are engaging with me and this thread in good faith also.

You haven't really helped me understand why I'm Being Unreasonable but Ok. We'll leave it there as it seems personal which isn't going to be helpful for having a productive discussion.

I am talking specifically about those who lift the iranian flag at pro monarchist demonstrations. I am not pro monarchy myself but I respect the right of those who are to be so, but there is no excuse for aligning themselves with that zionist entity.

I desperately want westerners, even if well meaning, to understand that pro monarchist is a political choice carrying specific weight and doesn’t just scoop up ‘everyone who doesn’t like the regime.’

We don’t all fit into a binary of either monarchist or pro regime and it’s insulting to our intelligence to imply that.

@pomegranate91 I am appalled at the wording of your post @ 14.23: 'there is no excuse for aligning themselves with that Zionist (sic) entity'.

Speaking as Jewish Zionist woman, many Jews and Zionists I know have marched and proclaimed their support of Iranians caught up in their desperate endeavour to rid Iran of the theocracy they've lived under for far too many years. We continue to do so even while our fellow Westerners remain silent.

We want a change in regime in Iran both for Iranians themselves and for us, so that the Jewish State no longer fear the terrorism that is paid for by the Islamic regime.

There is an obvious divide between Iranians who are pro monarchists and those who want a new leadership that doesn't involve Pahlavi. That is sad at best and also most disquieting.

You say there's "no excuse for aligning themselves with that zionist entity".

But with regard to westerners, you surely know that many westerners support Israel (many also don't of course). So we wouldn't necessarily see anything wrong with supporters of Pahlavi also supporting Israel.

Pahlavi (the Shah) brutally suppresed Iranians for decades using US, UK, and Israeli help.

The older generation in Iran has zero trust in any missives coming from a Pahlavi with good reason.

Its not going to work. Pahlavi (the son) simply has too much baggage.

I'm still learning about this topic.

Must admit I was also taken aback by the reference to "that zionist entity" & struggled to know how to reply to pomegranate.

I'm inclined to agree with your view about Pahlavi but to be fair to him, he isn't his father. Nevertheless young Iranians* don't know any other rulers other than the Islamists: no doubt would prefer ruler (s) who would allow far more freedom of choice than those with which they've grown up.

• Those who are in the main laying down their lives as we speak.

It seems to be the younger generation mainly protesting now though.

They seem to feel that the current regime has been worse than the previous regime when it comes to brutal suppression. And the vicious reaction to the protests has very much reinforced that.

Zionist entity is the phrase used by people who wish for Israel to no longer exist. Seems to be a favourite of the ayatollahs.

Any other countries we'd like to wish out of existence while we're at it ?

Really showing themselves for what they are now (not that it hasn’t been apparent from day one). Not sure what it will take for the useful idiots to wake up. They seem hellbent on living under a radical Islamic regime. These marches are being funded by someone, and they are not our friends.

If you want us in the west/UK to be sympathetic to your cause I suggest you stop throwing around anti-semitic terms.

See reply from @quantumbutterfly @15.25

I have read it.

You both educate me, thank you.

Pahlavi himself is talking about heading up a democratic transition, not becoming a monarchy like the gulf kingdoms. So while I can understand some Iranians would not like him he’s a figurehead to coalesce around for young people in Iran, they don’t seem to have anyone else.

Also I’m sceptical of anyone saying “just lift the sanctions” and using the phrase “zionist entity”. They sound like mullah talking points to me. Just lifting the sanctions would leave the ayatollahs in place, the same people who made it legal to marry a 9yr old, as long as her dad gives permission. The same regime that is currently selling the bodies of young people back to their families.