Palestine Chronicle reports: “Dr. Abu Safiya Detained by Israel – Grave Concerns over Torture, Health.” See breakdown by Drop Site News. Israel is reportedly ramping up attacks on Gaza.
CHRIS TITTLE, elbitoutofsccampaign@proton.me
Tittle is with the group Elbit out of South Carolina.
DELANEY WILDER, levisenm@gmail.com
Wilder is a retired marine biologist and an artist. He was arrested Thursday while handing out flyers about Elbit Systems and cradling a “Christ in the Rubble” art piece. He said today: “Elbit Systems is responsible for the suffering of countless innocent people and they should be ashamed. It’s not something that our communities need to tolerate.”
The flyer Wilder was handing out read: “Elbit Systems is an Israeli weapons and surveillance manufacturer who opened a facility in Ladson, South Carolina where truck mounted Howitzer cannons are being produced for exportation to Israel. These weapons have a singular purpose: to kill and maim.”
There have been similar actions in Florida, Virginia and New Hampshire. In August, the Boston Globe reported: “Following pro-Palestinian protests, Israeli defense contractor branch moves from Cambridge office.” The group Palestine Action in Britain has conducted numerous actions there.
Elbit out of South Carolina stated: “On Thursday, North Charleston Police arrested a local artist participating in a picket of Elbit Systems at their facility in Ladson. The protester is part of the group Elbit Out of SC, a coalition of local organizations and concerned citizens upset with the company’s role in the ongoing genocide in Palestine. For months the coalition has picketed the facility, canvassed nearby neighborhoods, and spoken out at Charleston County Council meetings to raise awareness about the weapons Elbit Systems is producing in our community.” See full statement.
“What we see is a pattern of corruption and repression here,” said Tittle. “Our local government has secretly negotiated tax deals with foreign companies producing weapons to be used in a genocide; then pass laws that criminalize free speech; then intimidate and arrest us when we use our voices to protest. Everyone in the Lowcountry should be deeply concerned by this, whether you care about Elbit Systems or not. … We are glad that Delany has been released following his arrest. Dr. Abu Safiya and thousands of Palestinians are being held by Israel.” See report on facility he is reportedly being held at — “Welcome to Hell” — by the Israeli human rights group B’Tselem.