Mass blockade hits drone factory


Activists block factory of Israeli drone company.

Activists block factory of Israeli drone company.

Hundreds of cyclists and their supporters who blockaded a Midlands factory in protest at its sale of drones used by the Israeli military have vowed “We’ll be back.”

The Big Ride for Palestine staged four feeder rides from London, Bristol, Manchester and Sheffield which converged on Birmingham for a festival in Sparkhill Park. The peloton then moved off en masse to a rally at the factory gates of UAV engines, in Shenstone near Lichfield.

UAV is part of the Elbit group and has been the target of repeated protests by activists, appalled at the way drones have been used against Palestinian civilians. The Big Ride has set out to draw attention to the 547 children verified as killed during the Israeli bombardment of Gaza in 2014.

Protesters pinned photographs of child victims on the fence surrounding the factory and, during a two hour peaceful action, heard first hand testimony from a Palestinian doctor working with children in Gaza.

The event also created a minor internet sensation with ten of thousands of views of a video posted by the Friends of Al Aqsa group and You Tube footage of Tom from Manchester performing his rap composition, There’s Nothing new about the News.

Dr Mona El Farra, who lost nine members of her extended family in 2014, told the crowd: “With your support and solidarity, we are helping some of the thousands of children who are traumatised by the loss of the families, their homes, their schools. Even though Gaza has been reduced to rubble in places with the support of arms manufacturers like Elbit, who own UAV, we are doing everything we can to rebuild lives.

“The children are all our futures, and they are so brave, but I can’t tell you how damaged they are. They have to learn how to play again, to be children. This is nothing more than collective punishment of the Palestinian people by the Israel and we say that it is a war crime.”

The Big Ride drew support from MPs, MEPs, trade unions and celebrities, including film director Ken Loach and campaign and charity groups including War on Want and Campaign Against the Arms Trade. They have set a target of £20,770 to help the Middle Eastern Children’s Alliance, which funds projects on the ground in Gaza.

Activists are now meeting with other grass roots groups to step up their campaign against UAV and the Government supported arms trade with Israel.

CAAT supporter Kate Byrne took on the 130 mile ride and raised a fantastic £345 towards CAAT’s campaigning against arms sales to Israel.

Kate said “By trading arms with Israel, the UK is complicit in Israel’s continuing violations of international law and in the horrific human rights abuses experienced everyday by Palestinians”

“Thats why I raised money for CAAT: to support the work they do working towards ending the horrors of the arms trade. The ride was a really fantastic and empowering way to spend the day which drew people from all walks of life. Thanks to all involved.”

There is still time to get behind the Big Ride and join us in challenging arms sales to Israel by adding to Kate’s sponsorship total.

If you would like to get involved in doing a sponsored run or cycle for CAAT please email fundraising(at)caat*org*uk.

CAAT would not exist without its supporters. Each new supporter helps us strengthen our call for an end to the international arms trade.

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