Full Breakdown
Activists Mobilize Against Companies Linked to Gaza Conflict at Brooklyn Navy Yard
9/7/2025, 8:01:04 AM
Community Campaign Against Local Arms Manufacturers
In Brooklyn, New York, a grassroots movement known as Demilitarize Brooklyn Navy Yard (DBNY) is actively campaigning to evict two companies—Easy Aerial and Crye Precision—from the city-owned industrial park at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. This initiative, which began in September 2024, aims to address the perceived complicity of these firms in the ongoing violence in Gaza, which many activists label as genocide. The campaign has gained momentum through weekly demonstrations, where participants engage in noise protests, distribute flyers, and raise awareness about the companies' roles in the conflict.
Companies Under Scrutiny
Easy Aerial, founded by former Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) personnel, specializes in manufacturing autonomous drones and surveillance software. Its products are reportedly used by the Israeli military in Gaza, with claims that they can deploy bombs and carry snipers. The company also has contracts with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Crye Precision, on the other hand, produces tactical gear, including body armor and combat clothing, which is sold to various military and law enforcement agencies, including the IDF through a licensing agreement with an Israeli manufacturer.
Local and Broader Implications
DBNY organizers emphasize that their campaign is not only about Gaza but also about local accountability. They argue that the presence of these companies in the Brooklyn Navy Yard contradicts the area's purported commitment to sustainability and community welfare. Activists have engaged with local community boards and elected officials, seeking to leverage their positions as constituents to influence change. There is a sense of cautious optimism that a potential change in local leadership could yield a more favorable environment for their demands.
Escalated Actions and Community Engagement
The campaign has employed various tactics, including direct actions like blockades and disruptions of public events attended by Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation (BNYDC) officials. Activists have reported that these actions have led to increased awareness and even resignations among BNYDC leadership, indicating a growing discomfort with the association of the Navy Yard with arms manufacturing.
Criticism and Opposition
Despite the campaign's momentum, there are dissenting voices. Some community members express concern that the protests may alienate local businesses and disrupt the economic activities of the Navy Yard. Additionally, critics argue that the characterization of the companies as "genocide profiteers" oversimplifies the complex geopolitical situation and may hinder constructive dialogue.
Verbatim Quotes
- “how can we escalate to material solidarity?” — Leila Rafiq, DBNY Organizer
- “Youssef, a journalist and DBNY organizer, “When you see videos of Palestinian journalists being harassed by drones, that’s made in Brooklyn…” — A.B. Youssef, DBNY Organizer
- “It’s going to be the multiplicity of tactics all together,” — Leila Rafiq, DBNY Organizer
What's Next
As the campaign continues, DBNY plans to maintain pressure through ongoing demonstrations and community engagement efforts. Activists are committed to raising awareness about the implications of local arms manufacturing and are determined to push for a policy that prohibits weapons manufacturers from operating in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The outcome of this campaign may have significant implications not only for the local community but also for the broader discourse surrounding arms manufacturing and its ethical ramifications in conflict zones.
