Jacksonville Rallies Call for U.S. to End Attacks on Iran

Jacksonville, FL, USA - On June 28, the streets of Jacksonville, FL, echoed with the chants of community members rallying against U.S. military actions in Iran. Organized by the Jacksonville Palestine Solidarity Network (JPSN), over 100 demonstrators gathered at Memorial Park for a protest dubbed “Hands off Iran!” with Palestinian flags waving proudly amid a sea of voices calling for peace.

The march, which started in Riverside, saw participants carrying banners and expressing solidarity with the people of Iran. A member of the Jacksonville Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) spoke passionately during the event, declaring support for Iran’s backing of Palestinian resistance. This solidarity reflects a growing sentiment among grassroots organizations, as articulated in Fight Back News.

Chants for Change

As the demonstrators moved, they paused at The Cummer Museum, a location that has drawn criticism for severing ties with the Duval Folx group over their Palestinian advocacy. Protesters voiced their displeasure through boos directed at the museum, highlighting the local tension surrounding the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. “U.S. out of the Middle East!” became a rallying cry as the march continued towards the Riverside Arts Market, where their resolve did not waver.

Shayne Tremblay from JPSN underscored the dire reality faced by those in Gaza, linking U.S. military support directly to Israel’s escalating actions against Iran. Bryce Ryan Delany also made headlines at this protest, specifically targeting the flow of U.S.-made weapons from Jacksonville’s local port, JaxPort, into the conflict. Their calls for action resonate in a climate fraught with political challenge and moral urgency.

The Broader Context

The unrest is not confined to Jacksonville. Across the nation, protests erupted in cities like Los Angeles, New York, and the capital, following President Donald Trump’s controversial order for targeted attacks against three Iranian nuclear facilities. Just days before the Jacksonville rally, on June 22, demonstrations began to gain momentum, with groups like the Party for Socialism and Liberation and the ANSWER Coalition advocating against further military intervention in Iran, as reported by USA Today.

Concerns over the implications of U.S. support for Israel have been voiced by organizers nationwide. The protests coincide with allegations that U.S. arms shipments are exacerbating conflicts in the region. A noteworthy point raised in discussions around this issue is the historical context of Israel’s aggressive postures against neighboring countries that pose a challenge to Western interests, as elaborated on by the Jacksonville Palestine Solidarity Network in their statement on the recent escalation.

Looking Ahead

The cries for peace from Jacksonville reflect a growing awareness and concern regarding the U.S.’s role in Middle Eastern conflicts. As the tensions persist, with the Israeli government recently launching attacks under tenuous justifications, many see this as a pivotal moment. The Jacksonville march was just one of many, with a national „Stop the War on Iran“ demonstration planned for the same day in Washington, D.C., showcasing a united front against further U.S. military aggression.

Moving forward, the voices of those gathered in Memorial Park serve as a reminder of the community’s desire for a more peaceful engagement with global affairs. With every chant of “Hands off Iran!” it’s clear the demand for justice and solidarity will only grow in strength.