Independent Jewish Voices Return to Scotiabank Demanding Divestment from Elbit Systems

Forty-five pro-Palestine activists struck Scotiabank in Victoria once more, demanding it fully divest from Elbit Systems, a weapon manufacturer whose ordnance are known to contribute to the horrific civilian death toll in Gaza.

This protest, like previous iterations, has been organised by the local chapter of Independent Jewish Voices Canada, in coordination with a nationwide campaign of protests at various locations, such as the offices of members of Parliament. The campaign aims for a complete arms embargo on Israel, including the closing of loopholes such as exports under prior permits and contracting via the United States.

Once owning a five percent share of Elbit Systems, Scotiabank has since October twice slashed its holdings down, by a total of three fourths, without providing a convincing rationale for its decisions. Whether relentless public pressure, such as demonstrations at local branches and boycott campaigns like that of the Geller literary prize, proved effective is actually a point of contention. My take is that Elbit Systems has become riskier an investment due to the sabotage of its factories by activists.

Nevertheless, the demonstrators will settle for no less than one hundred percent divestment, arguing that any investment in genocide, however negligible, is unacceptable.

The rally featured a colourful performance by a bombastic “war clown” dramatically crashing the party with a mock 2000-lbs bomb covered with antiwar graffiti and blood money bills. The comedian delivered the usual spurious objections, with threats to report everyone in attendance to Victoria Councillor Marg Gardiner for antisemitic action, but was successfully knocked out by a protester wearing boxing gloves.