Full Breakdown
Activists Mobilize Against Companies Linked to Gaza Conflict at Brooklyn Navy Yard
9/7/2025, 4:07:18 AM
Community Campaign Against Weapons Manufacturers
In September 2024, a coalition of activists and local residents launched the Demilitarize Brooklyn Navy Yard (DBNY) campaign, targeting two companies—Easy Aerial and Crye Precision—operating within the Brooklyn Navy Yard. These companies are accused of contributing to what activists describe as genocide in Gaza through their production of military technology. Easy Aerial, founded by former Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers, manufactures drones and surveillance software, while Crye Precision produces tactical gear, including body armor used by the IDF.
DBNY organizes weekly protests outside the Navy Yard, employing tactics such as noise demonstrations, picketing, and community outreach to raise awareness about the companies' operations. The campaign aims to pressure the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation (BNYDC), the entity managing the industrial park, to evict these companies and establish a policy against housing weapons manufacturers.
The Role of Local Activism
Activists have expressed frustration with the broader Palestine Solidarity movement, feeling that it has not adequately addressed the urgency of the situation in Gaza. Leila Rafiq, a DBNY organizer, emphasized the need for "material solidarity" rather than mere symbolic gestures. The campaign has garnered local support, with community members shocked to learn about the presence of these companies in their neighborhood.
DBNY's strategy includes direct actions, such as blockading entrances to facilities and disrupting public speaking events by BNYDC officials. These actions have reportedly led to resignations within the BNYDC, indicating a growing unease about the public perception of the Navy Yard's tenants.
Official Responses and Broader Implications
The BNYDC has faced criticism for its leasing decisions, with activists accusing it of concealing the military nature of its tenants by marketing them under benign categories. The campaign has sparked discussions at local community board meetings, where DBNY organizers seek support from elected officials.
The implications of this campaign extend beyond local activism; it reflects a growing movement against companies perceived as complicit in violence against Palestinians. The DBNY campaign aligns with similar efforts globally, such as the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, which seeks to hold companies accountable for their roles in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Criticism and Opposition
Despite the campaign's momentum, there are dissenting voices. Some community members express concern that the protests may alienate potential allies or disrupt local businesses. Additionally, critics argue that the campaign's framing of the companies as "genocide profiteers" could oversimplify complex geopolitical issues.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Right here in the heart of Brooklyn are some of the most spineless genocide profiteers,” — A.B. Youssef, DBNY Organizer
- “how can we escalate to material solidarity?” — Leila Rafiq, DBNY Organizer
What's Next
As the DBNY campaign continues, organizers plan to maintain pressure through consistent public demonstrations and community engagement. The outcome of this grassroots effort may influence future policies regarding military-related businesses in urban areas and contribute to the broader discourse on corporate accountability in conflict zones.
