As violent protests continue in Iran, the Persian community in Toronto is growing increasingly concerned about the safety of their family and friends back home. Naghmeh, an Iranian Canadian residing in Toronto, expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, “Our people, our family members have been killed just during two days.”
Protests in Tehran have persisted for over two weeks, with demonstrators demanding regime change. The Iranian government has responded by cutting off communications within the country, further straining the connection between those in Iran and their loved ones abroad.
Kaywan, another Iranian Canadian, shared his ongoing struggles, noting, “Usually I talk with my cousins and with my uncle every day… we can’t talk to them on regular line.” The inability to connect is a source of immense stress for many in the diaspora.
Sam Fayaz, who owns Khorak Supermarket in Little Iran, Willowdale, observed that tension within the community has escalated as news of the deadly protests has spread. He lamented, “It’s really hard to watch… It’s unfortunate that what the regime has done by trying to silence the population.” Fayaz highlighted that the recent uprising has been building for years, as Iranian citizens grapple with soaring inflation and deteriorating living conditions. “They’re starving. If you’re an employee and you get paid on Friday, by Monday, your paycheck is worth half of what it was on the Friday,” he explained.
Despite the distance, solidarity rallies have erupted across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), with protests occurring over the weekend in cities such as Hamilton, Guelph, Richmond Hill, and Toronto's Nathan Phillips Square. Fayaz emphasized the bravery of protestors in Iran, stating, “The innocent people that are on the street, on the front lines, they’re ready to give it their all.”
Naghmeh and other Iranian Canadians are calling for global support, urging others to “be the Iranian people’s voice.” They hope that the international community will amplify their pleas for help. Another demonstration is scheduled for Tuesday at 12 p.m. outside the U.S. Consulate on University Avenue, as the Iranian diaspora continues to rally and raise awareness of the ongoing crisis.
