JACKSONVILLE, Fla – Members of Jacksonville’s Iranian community gathered at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park this weekend, not in protest, but in celebration.
Many of them said they believe the latest developments in Iran could mark a turning point for their homeland and for loved ones still there.
Dozens of Iranian Americans and their families waved flags, held posters and cheered as they reacted to news that Iran’s Supreme Leader was killed in what U.S. and Israeli officials have described as a joint strike on Iran.
For many at the gathering, it was a moment they say they have waited for years.
“We were waiting for months for this day, and finally it’s here,” said Sogand Khalil, who has family still living in Iran. “We’re very, very grateful America put a step ahead with Israel.”
Community members described the event as a mix of tears, joy, and renewed optimism after what they say has been decades of oppression under Iran’s ruling regime.
“Grandfather, aunt, cousins, uncles, we have a lot of family that have been oppressed since I was born,” said attendee Kavoose Mohajeri. “We appreciate what’s going on, and we hope that regime change is in the works and we can get a new government in place where human rights and human lives are defended.”
Mohajeri said the crowd at Hanna Park included not just Iranians, but also non‑Iranian relatives and American friends who have become part of their extended family.
“We have the Iranians here. We have family members that are non‑Iranians. We have Americans that are part of our family, too,” he said.
While those who gathered said most of their relatives in Iran are safe, they acknowledged the human cost of the strikes, for both Iranians and Americans, weighs heavily on them, especially in a city with a large military presence.
“It’s so incredibly heartbreaking, and even for the American military,” said Rachel Jaber‑Ansari. “My heart is definitely heavy. In Jacksonville, we’re a huge Navy town. I know the cost and the sacrifice that it takes. And I respect it, and I’m so thankful for that. And my heart breaks for them. And it breaks for the Iranians that lost their sons and daughters, too.”
Even as concerns linger about possible retaliation or further escalation in the region, many at the event said they are more hopeful than they have been in years.
Jaber‑Ansari, who described her family as Iranian American, said she sees her children as a reflection of the future she wants for both countries.
“To see who they are today, my kids, we’re an Iranian‑American family, and they’re all the best of both of our proud nations,” she said. “It’s really nice to see America and Israel help them, because sometimes it takes a leader from an outside country to see oppression and to act with compassion and help them reach for their bright future.”
Khalil echoed that optimism.
“We’re seeing a bright light ahead of us, ahead of all the Iranian people,” she said. “They’ve been away from home and not having hope. We are starting to be hopeful.”
Community members said they plan to continue gathering in Jacksonville in the coming days and weeks, both to support one another and to stay closely connected to family and friends in Iran as the situation develops.