Protestors to hold die-in at Northampton L3Harris Plant

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) – Members of Demilitarize Western Mass and Jewish Voice for Peace will hold a “L3Harris War Crimes Die-In” on Tuesday.

The demonstration aims to call for the divestment of L3Harris stock due to the corporation’s continued sale of weapons components to Israel. This protest comes as Israel’s assault against Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank enters its ninth month. The event will also oppose Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled address to the U.S. Congress on July 24, 2024.

“We are holding the die-in to implore individuals, colleges, universities, pension funds – everyone – to pull their money out from under the genocide that is being enabled by L3Harris Corporation and all who are lapping up profits from the blood of the Palestinian people,” said Nick Mottern, a member of Demilitarize Western Massachusetts.

Participants in the die-in will lie on the sidewalk in front of the L3Harris plant amid 8-foot tall panels painted to represent rubble, carrying messages such as “Divest from L3Harris,” “War Criminals,” and “Do Something.” Protesters will also bring signs, banners, and other props.

The American Friends Services Committee has identified L3Harris as one of the “Companies Profiting from the Gaza Genocide.” On June 20, 2024, a panel of U.N. experts stated that weapons makers, by sending weapons, parts, components, and ammunition to Israeli forces, risk being complicit in serious violations of international human rights and international humanitarian laws.

L3Harris is the ninth largest weapons maker in the world, with annual revenue of $18 billion, a workforce of 46,000, and sales in over 100 countries. The Northampton plant manufactures submarine periscopes and electro-optical targeting equipment for the U.S. Navy.

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