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Recalling revolution, Iranians chant ‘Death to Israel,’ ‘Down with US’ at anniversary rallies

The government in Iran holds annual celebrations surrounding the 1979 Islamic Revolution takeover of the American embassy in Tehran.

An anti-Israel demonstration in Iran. Photo by Ali Khara/Fars News Agency.
An anti-Israel demonstration in Iran. Photo by Ali Khara/Fars News Agency.

During a rally to mark 39 years since Iranian students stormed the U.S. embassy in Tehran—taking 52 Americans hostage for 44 days—a crowd of thousands of Iranians rallied, chanting “Down with the US” and “Death to Israel.”

According to Iranian state TV, similar demonstrations to celebrate the 1979 Islamic Revolution takeover of the American embassy took place in other Iranian cities and towns.

The Islamic-led government in Iran holds annual celebrations surrounding the takeover. The building that once housed the embassy is now a cultural center.

On Friday, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump announced the renewal of sanctions on Iranian shipping, financial and energy sectors.

Judy Schwank told JNS that “if we can get it through both bodies and get it to the governor’s desk, he will sign it.”
The reversal “sends an unfortunate signal at a time of rising antisemitism and sustained efforts to isolate Israel economically,” Evan R. Bernstein, CEO of B’nai B’rith International, told JNS.
The Combat Antisemitism Movement condemned the disruption, calling claims that Israel commits genocide and kills children a modern blood libel.
Mark Levine “pledged many times to restore New York City’s investment in Israel Bonds and had it right when he called them ‘a long-term safe and secure investment,’” an Israel Bonds spokesman told JNS.