Activist Zoe Rogers reveals in a passionate, open letter the strong moral and emotional beliefs that propelled her to take decisive action against Elbit Systems in Filton, Bristol. Rogers writes of the unimaginable suffering caused by seeing the destruction done to Palestinian families: parents left to bury the broken remains of their loved ones, children whose innocence has been taken, and bodies converted to ashes. She tells the story of these horrors not to stir up animosity but to show the love and unity that spurred her to action.
Elbit Systems, the biggest armaments company in Israel, was singled out by Palestine Action member Rogers for manufacturing weapons that she feels are intended to continue the genocide against the Palestinian people. These weaponry, advertised as having been “battle-tested” on Gazans, are somber reminders of of a cycle of violence that the UK has helped to perpetuate. Despite facing arrest, intimidation and counter-terrorism charges, Rogers remains resolute, maintaining that her actions were driven by love for those enduring the unthinkable, not hatred for those responsible. Her letter is a heartfelt plea to end the silence, urging the public to understand the human cost behind these corporate and state actions.
When they ask why I did it, I tell them about the children.
Their childhood was stolen from them. Their skeletons are left charred and smoking. Their bodies are crushed so easily by falling buildings. Their skin melts as flaming tents collapse around them.
I tell them about the boy found carrying his brother’s body inside his bloody backpack. I tell them about the girl whose hanging corpse ended at the knees. I tell them about the father holding up his headless toddler. I tell them about the mother who received the ‘approximate weight’ of body parts of her family to bury, as they had been shattered beyond recognition.
Then, I tell them about the history — how this has happened time and time again. I talk about the Stern Gang, the Hilltop Youth, the wars of 1948 and 1967, Operation Cast Lead, and Operation Protective Edge. I explain how they call it “mowing the lawn” — “cleaning” the land of these “human animals.”
I tell them how they calculate the minimum nutrients to keep everyone alive, chop a bit off, and let only that inside. Since the war, they’ve banned chlorine, morphine, children’s toys, and much more that’s needed for people to survive.
Finally, I talk about how it was us that started it with our Balfour Declaration and media suppression. I say I cannot stand for this anymore, that it can go on no longer, so I took action against Elbit, their weapons supplier.
But I never forget to say:
It was love, not hate, that called me.
I watched their songs and dances for freedom. I read their hope-filled books. I listened to their dreams of becoming doctors, teachers, journalists, and of never giving up.
— Zoe Rogers
