NYC Quds Day speakers back Iran regime, chant ‘shame USA’ at Times Square rally

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Speakers at a Quds Day rally in New York City voiced support for Iran’s government and condemned the United States and Israel during demonstrations linked to the annual pro-Palestinian event.

Video from the rally shows one speaker declaring support for Tehran’s leadership, telling the crowd: “We proclaim our support for the Islamic Republic.” Demonstrators were also heard chanting “Shame, shame USA,” along with other pro-Palestinian slogans.

Speakers criticize US military operations against Iran

In video from the rally, one speaker declared, “We proclaim our support for the Islamic Republic,” while demonstrators chanted “Shame, shame USA.”

Another speaker claimed, “Iran is the central pillar of the struggle against US imperialism and Zionism today.” Several speakers also criticized the US military's Operation Epic Fury against Iran, describing the conflict as “Wall Street’s war.”

Quds Day rally draws hundreds of participants in New York

The protest on Friday drew several hundred participants and was backed by leftist and anti-Zionist activist groups, including Pal-Awda, the Bronx Anti-War Coalition, and the Workers World Party. Quds Day demonstrations are held annually in cities around the world in support of Palestinians and opposition to Israel.

“This Al Quds Day holds a special significance as the United States and its puppet Zionist regime wage full-out war against the Islamic Republic of Iran. We proclaim our support for the Islamic Republic,” a speaker said, introducing the event.

The protesters held signs that said, “Victory to Palestinian and Iranian resistance,” “Free America from Israel,” and with pictures of the ayatollahs. Several signs said, “Israel weaker than a spider’s web,” referring to threats made by Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. A child on the stage held up a photo of Iran’s late leader Ali Khamenei.

The rally took place at a time of heightened security awareness in New York following a recent criminal case involving two teenagers from Pennsylvania. Around a dozen pro-Israel counter-protesters, Jews and allies, gathered across the street, chanting "USA" and shouting "brainwashed" and “t******sts.”

The protesters also repeatedly referred to Jeffrey Epstein, with one protest leader calling the US the “Epstein-worshiping p*******e regime.” The demonstrations have historically drawn both supporters of Palestinian causes and critics who accuse some participants of expressing support for groups hostile to Israel and the United States.

City officials did not immediately report any major incidents during the rally.