Iranians Abroad and Within Iran Mark October 7th, Express Support for Israel

On the anniversary of the October 7th massacre, numerous Iranians worldwide have once again voiced their support for Israel and the Jewish people. Thousands of exiled Iranians participated in ceremonies, rallies, and memorial events honoring the victims of the attack. Some stood alongside Israelis, waving Israeli flags and demonstrating solidarity. Messages of support for Israel also emerged from within Iran itself, though individuals used anonymous and fake online accounts due to the risks associated with revealing their identities to the regime. Social media platforms also saw significant expressions of support, with many Iranians engaging in discussions on international media outlets' posts about October 7th. These individuals countered anti-Israeli and anti-Semitic comments with messages of support, expressing empathy for Israel and the victims.

The author has been in contact with some of these activists for nearly three years through digital influence operations. Some of these activists command large online followings, reaching millions of exposures. They reiterated their support and their message that Israel's struggle is also part of their own fight against the Iranian regime, emphasizing their continued solidarity with Israel. Anshan Khosravi, an organizer of Iranian protests in Stockholm, provided documentation from an event held outside the Israeli embassy there, stating, "We, the Iranian people, share your pain and stand with you. We will stand together as brothers and sisters against terror." He expressed a belief that the Iranian and Israeli people could live in freedom, peace, and friendship in the future.

Another Iranian activist declared, "We are 100% supporters and friends of Israel." These individuals represent a fraction of the Iranian voices expressing support for Israel, with some doing so openly outside Iran and others anonymously from within the country. Over the past three years, these activists have consistently reminded the author of the support they have received from Israelis for their struggle for freedom in Iran, and today they sought to convey a similar message back to Israel.