QODS DAY: Protesters Transform Jerusalem Day Into Iran Day

Today a long time tradition of the Islamic Republic of Iran was transformed into nationwide mass protests against the government.

Qods Day (or Jerusalem Day) is an annual event in the Islamic Republic, ostensibly held in honor of the suffering of the Palestinians but whose other major theme is anti-Israel rhetoric.

Despite having banned all public demonstrations by an opposition movement that has suffered disappearances, prison abuse, gang rapes in state institutions, and all manner of threats, the government had no choice today but to convene Qods Day, and the people had no choice but to take this chance and make their voices heard once again.

They took the government's cue for Qods Day participation as a legal loophole for once again brimming the streets of Iran.

• • • • • • • • An Iranian protester wraps a Palestinian paper flag around her head as others hold up portraits of the late founder of the Islamic republic Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini (L) and his successor, the current supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (R), during a rally marking Quds (Jerusalem) Day in Tehran on September 18, 2009.

But ironically for a government that has invested so much in its pro-Palestinian position, the Iranian public seems to have said today that they could care less about that issue.

"Not Gaza, not Lebanon. I die only for Iran," protesters have reportedly chanted in significant numbers across Tehran, Esfahan, Shiraz and other major cities across Iran today.

An image going around the Internet shows a protester holding a poster of the iconic Palestinian caricature Handala wearing a long green scarf with the words "Palestine is right here."

The message is clear, if unsympathetic: we Iranians have our own problems to solve.

Images and videos blogged, tweeted and facebooked show protesters weaving through the Qods Day event, clinging to winding green ribbons of fabric. The green wave connects them as they make their way through the avenues of Iran, flashing a vital sign to the world that a significant number of Iranians want change.

Some reports indicate that Mehdi Karroubi -- the former Speaker of Parliament, the National Trust party leader and the foremost voice against institutionalized rape and abuse of opposition protesters -- was there and that Mir Hossein Mousavi was, too. According to the Islamic Republic News Agency, Karroubi and Mousavi attended but were forced to leave prematurely due to security issues. However, there are no certain confirmations of those reports.

For protesters, however, their mere appearance amongst the people would be an assurance that the movement still has a leadership component.

It's reassuring but so far, despite the people's resistance to giving up, the violence continues. International news media have reported attacks on the protesters, with the Times of London stating that "Iran saw its most serious violence since the mass protests of the early summer".

Internet users have linked to websites that inform protesters how to treat wounds and conduct first aid. Protesters themselves have sometimes obscured their faces to avoid later problems of being tracked down by security forces who have reportedly taunted and threatened families even after the protests, just by studying images taken at the rallies.

For years, the prevailing opinion of Qods Day has been that the government's own elements were the main or perhaps only participants. For once, it seems, a large number of the people have decided to join in -- though for an entirely different purpose than the state intended.

Comments

[Ergon]

Most of the picures are of PRO-Government marchers.

[MARNIE2]

The Iranian People our real hero's to face down the Islamic Regime . The Iranian people are truly
....disenchanted with the stolen election's & the abuse of power and the peaceful protesters
..who where beaten and attacked ....unjust !.........­....NO-DOU­BT....they can ..see the Iran govt. ....
for who they truly are ? .....no illusions !

[fishX2]

I never cease to be amazed at the power of human beings! What a great tactic for social justice, to turn this day on top of the heads of leadership in Iran!

[glyco]

that was a great article. i'm glad to know the iranian people didn't roll over and take it up the arse like the country i live in right now circa 2000 and 2004. i'm glad the slogan isn't religious in nature either, the iranian people have come a long way in the last 30 years. since it's in god's plan, apparently, for young men and women to be tortured, murdered and raped for voicing their hopes and dreams, maybe just maybe it's a good idea 'God' stay out of this one.

[alumcreek]

Once revolutionaries take over they will fight tooth and nail against anyone who would push them aside as the metamorphosed evil stepchildren of those whom they replaced.

Having tasted power and the far too sweet nectar of absolute corruption, the former freedom fighters will now kill anyone who demands freedom for all.

[anita80]

yes we need our own freedom and we die for our country , it's the freedom that we are seeking for and today as you write we transformed the Qads day to Iranian's freedom day . VIVA GREEN MOVEMENT

[MosheDayanHero]

Cosmic justice is catching up to the ayatollahs and the secret police henchmen.

[MARNIE2]

......BUT.­..REMEBER.­. ....GOD IS IN CONTROL.... !......ALWAYS !

[GeorgeP922]

"Not Gaza, not Lebanon. I die only for Iran,"

Glad to see Patriotism and nationalism will see through the military dictatorship and faux deity they are ruled by.