Activists in Vancouver came out to shame and expose Scotiabank for their investment in Israeli arms dealer Elbit Systems. Despite unusually cold weather, a large and spirited picket was held at the intersection at Broadway and Commercial during the busy rush hour. Under the big banner of “Israel bombs, Scotiabank pays”, the picket was highly visible and received great support from cars, buses, trucks and pedestrians. (Photos courtesy Michael YC Tseng)
We know that people are fed up with the support of both Canadian big business and the government for Israeli genocide and war crimes. Stay tuned for more actions coming up on Dec. 13/14!
Join us on November 29, 3 pm at Broadway & Commercial, Vancouver to mark the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinians by telling Scotiabank that we will not rest until they divest completely from Israeli war crimes.Any funding of genocide is too much.
Scotiabank’s asset fund has reduced its half a billion dollar investment in Elbit 4 times, but still owns 1.3% of Elbit shares (worth US$112 million as of Sept. 30/24 and now worth over US$130 million). Many groups and individuals have been part of the campaign to say #ShameonScotiabank for funding Israeli genocide; it is this collective pressure that produced results. A special shoutout to allies in the artists and writers community who embraced this issue, especially with regards to the Giller Prize.
We are appalled and outraged by the excessive police action yesterday in Vancouver against local activist Charlotte Kates. We demand answers from the VPD and Ken Sim regarding this ridiculous ramping up of intimidation of pro-Palestine advocates. Why did you need the Emergency Response Team, decked out in full tactical gear with an armoured vehicle, to execute one search warrant in a quiet residential house currently inhabited by one woman? Are you trying to convince others that those who support Palestine are dangerous and thus require this over-the-top repression? According to news sources, even her neighbours were horrified (and frightened) at the level of force employed.
All you have proven is that Vancouver police are quickly descending into the most despicable kind of tactics, and showing their own ineptitude and lack of respect for the most basic rights of people.
The local Palestinian community will remember this latest action (and others before) that have exposed the anti-Palestinian racism inherent in your administration.
Hanna Kawas, Chair Canada Palestine Association – Vancouver ________________________________________
