On March 15, activists in Canada came out in a coordinated campaign to demand that Scotiabank and its global asset fund divest completely from Elbit Systems. At 28+ different branch locations, from Toronto and Peterborough to Courtney and Nanaimo, from St. Catharines and Regina to multiple locations around the lower mainland of BC, there were protests and pickets to say Shut Down Genocide Profiteering.
On the ground reports indicated that at least 6 branches were closed either completely or partially, and others noted that customers had committed to closing their accounts. Multiple locations, especially in Toronto and Vancouver, reported a heavy police presence, as the repression of pro-Palestine actions continues to intensfiy. The day wrapped up with a rally outside Scotiabank’s Vancouver head office that highlighted the reports from different locations and then marched through the downtown core.
Let’s keep up the pressure, our grassroots campaign is working. ScotiaBank reduced its Elbit Systems investment in the last quarter, but still stands as the largest foreign investor in this Israeli arms company, profiting off the killing and maiming of Palestinians.
This was truly a Day of Action activists can be proud of, and we’re just getting started! Here are a few initial photo and video highlights from across the country.
And over a dozen locations around the BC Lower Mainland:
Check out another great video here: Nogojiwanong Palestine Solidarity (@nogojiwanong2palestine) • Instagram photos and videos
And here: Scotiabank, divest from weapons and Elbit now! (March 15, 2023) (youtube.com)
Background info:
Canada’s Scotiabank is funding Israeli war crimes – Mondoweiss
Activists vow to #ShutElbitDown | Al Mayadeen English
Send a letter: Tell Scotiabank to Divest Now from Elbit Systems – Action Network
