‘From Iran to Palestine, stop U.S. war crimes!’: Activists rally in New Orleans

New Orleans, June 23 – “No war with Iran!” was the message of an emergency rally downtown during the evening rush hour. Gathered in the shadow of the Hale Boggs Federal Building, they chanted, “From Iran to Palestine, stop U.S. war crimes!” and “From the belly of the beast, U.S. out of the Middle East!” 

These views are pretty mainstream. An Economist/YouGov poll covering June 13-16 asked people in the U.S., “Do you think the U.S. military should get involved in the conflict between Israel and Iran?” Sixty percent said “no.” Only 16% said “yes,” and 24% “not sure.” Even 53% of Republicans oppose direct U.S. intervention. 

The problem with the wording of the question is that the U.S. is already involved, because Israel’s real masters are in the U.S. Pentagon. Still, these results are clear enough. The people don’t want war. 

Today’s action featured speakers from multiple organizations, including the Palestinian Youth Movement, Freedom Road Socialist Organization, Party for Socialism and Liberation, and others. 

Some participants came from other towns in the region, including the Northshore. One participant, a Slidell mom new to activism, told this writer:

“I came out because I believe we have a duty to show up when power is used to harm — not just in our own backyard, but across borders. In the face of war, silence is not neutrality — it’s surrender — and I came to stand for peace, not as a bystander, but as part of a global refusal to accept violence.”