Around 100 protesters have staged a demonstration outside the Collins Aerospace factory in Oakville, Ontario, blocking the morning shift workers from entering the facility. The protest, which began before dawn, is in response to the company’s alleged involvement in the production of weapons components used in Israeli fighter jets and attack helicopters. Activists are calling on Collins Aerospace to halt its production of parts that are reportedly used in Israeli military operations, particularly those targeting Palestinians in Gaza.
Dalia F., a Palestinian resident of Oakville, shared her distress, stating, “While my family members in Gaza have been killed and continue to be terrorized by Israel’s nonstop bombing attacks, I am sickened to know that parts of these same bomber planes are being made right here at Collins Aerospace’s factory in Oakville where I live.” Her words echoed the sentiments of many protesters who view the company’s actions as complicit in what they call “the mass killing of Palestinians.”
The protesters also demanded that the Canadian government impose a full arms embargo on Israel, citing the alleged use of Canadian-made components in Israeli airstrikes against Palestinian civilians.
Rabbi David Mivasair, a representative of Independent Jewish Voices Canada, also spoke out against Collins Aerospace’s role, stating, “The weapons being manufactured here at Collins Aerospace are directly used in the mass killing of Palestinians, violating the very values of humanity and dignity our tradition upholds. By profiting from this violence, Canada betrays its moral and legal obligations.”
The protest was organized by a coalition of activist groups, including Oakville for Palestine, Labour For Palestine, Palestinian Youth Movement Toronto, and World BEYOND War. The demonstrators argue that Canada must cease its complicity in the ongoing violence by halting arms exports to Israel.
The protest comes amid continued violence in Gaza and Israel, where the conflict has claimed thousands of lives, and global calls for accountability and an end to military sales that fuel the violence.