Bay Area Iranian community gather in San Francisco to protest against war and genocide

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Protesters marched through San Francisco's Market Street on Wednesday evening, demanding an end to the war with Iran.

The demonstration was one of several held across the country the same day.

"The goal is to stand in solidarity with the Iranian people, speak out against war, and let the world know that San Francisco does not stand for illegal war or genocide," said Andrew Yousef with Democratic Socialists of America.

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The rally came as a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran remained in place, though some participants said it does not go far enough.

"We're here today because we reject the U.S. war on Iran. Our tax dollar money should be going into education, healthcare, housing," said Suzanne Ali with the Bay Area Palestinian Youth Movement. "It should not be going into genocidal wars abroad."

People traveled from across the Bay Area to join the protest, including children and military veterans.

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"I'm a veteran and we just don't need this war," said Jim Martinez, a military veteran.

"I don't think (the ceasefire) will be lasting because President Trump is unpredictable," said Johnathan Draper, who came from the East Bay. "We've got the responsibility to continue to get out and protest."

Madron, an Oakland resident, said the gatherings have a broader purpose.

"What the protests do is they inspire people who have not taken political action before. They educate people," Madron said. "And I also think it's just good for camaraderie, that we're not alone during these intense times."