The Brooklyn Navy Yard, located in the heart of New York City, has long been a hub of innovation and industry. It has served as a major shipbuilding and repair facility for the United States Navy, and has also been home to a variety of businesses and manufacturers. However, in recent years, the Navy Yard has come under scrutiny for its leasing of space to companies that allegedly supply equipment to the Israeli military.
Among these companies are those that produce drones and camouflage, both of which have been used by the Israeli military in its ongoing conflict with Palestine. This has sparked outrage among activists and community members, who are calling for these companies to be evicted from the Navy Yard.
But why is New York City, a diverse and progressive city, leasing space to these companies in the first place? And what impact does this have on the local community and the larger global conflict?
The answer lies in the complex relationship between the United States and Israel, and the role of the Brooklyn Navy Yard in the city’s economy.
First, it is important to understand the history of the Brooklyn Navy Yard and its significance to the city. Established in 1801, the Navy Yard has played a crucial role in the development of New York City as a major port and industrial center. During World War II, it was the largest shipbuilding facility in the country, employing over 70,000 people. Today, it is home to over 400 businesses and provides jobs for over 10,000 New Yorkers.
One of these businesses is Elbit Systems, an Israeli defense company that produces drones used by the Israeli military. The company has been leasing space in the Navy Yard since 2014, and has faced criticism for its involvement in the conflict in Palestine. Activists argue that by leasing space to Elbit Systems, the city is indirectly supporting the Israeli military’s actions, which have been condemned by the international community.
Similarly, another company in the Navy Yard, Crye Precision, produces camouflage gear used by the Israeli military. This has also sparked outrage among activists, who argue that the city should not be supporting companies that contribute to the ongoing violence in the region.
But the issue goes beyond just the moral implications of supporting these companies. The leasing of space to these companies also raises concerns about the economic impact on the local community. The Brooklyn Navy Yard is located in a predominantly low-income and minority neighborhood, and the jobs provided by these companies are crucial to the livelihoods of many residents. Evicting these companies could result in job losses and further economic hardships for the community.
However, this does not mean that the city should turn a blind eye to the actions of these companies. In fact, many community members and activists are calling for the Navy Yard to be transformed into a hub for sustainable and socially responsible businesses. This would not only create jobs for the local community, but also align with the values of the city and its residents.
Furthermore, the leasing of space to these companies raises questions about the city’s priorities and values. New York City prides itself on being a diverse and inclusive city, but by leasing space to companies that contribute to human rights violations, it sends a conflicting message. The city must take a stand and prioritize the well-being of its residents and the global community over profits and economic growth.
In response to the outcry, the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation (BNYDC), which manages the Navy Yard, has stated that it does not condone or support any actions that violate human rights. However, it also argues that it cannot control the actions of the companies leasing space in the Navy Yard.
But as a major player in the city’s economy, the BNYDC has a responsibility to ensure that the companies it leases space to align with the values of the city and its residents. It must take a proactive approach in vetting and monitoring the actions of these companies, and consider the impact on the local community and the global community.
In conclusion, the leasing of space to companies that supply equipment to the Israeli military in the Brooklyn Navy Yard is a complex issue with moral, economic, and political implications. While the city must consider the economic impact on the local community, it also has a responsibility to stand against human rights violations and support socially responsible businesses. The Brooklyn Navy Yard has the potential to be a leader in sustainable and ethical business practices, and it is time for the city to take action and make that vision a reality.
