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A group of 11 people dressed as clowns gathered in front of Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials off Union Road in Hollister on Aug. 21 to protest what they say is the company’s involvement in the bombing of Gaza by Israel.
Brent Adams with Art & Rebellion from Santa Cruz said Pacific Scientific “manufactures components used in MK-80 series bombs, which have been identified in the widespread destruction of hospitals, schools, refugee camps, residential towers and entire neighborhoods in Gaza.”
Art & Rebellion describes itself as a group that stages creative resistance actions, culture jamming and street theater, according to its social media accounts.
The Israel-Hamas war began in 2023 when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war, though the ministry doesn’t distinguish between militants and civilians.
Adams said the U.S. government “hides” companies whose products are used in the Gaza bombings and other military actions as a way to manipulate Congress because it involves a lot of local jobs in those districts.
“It’s only business for these guys,” Adams said. “They don’t think they are engaged in the destruction of humanity but they are. But they try to pretend that they are not. This collateral damage, this blood, is on their hands.”
According to the 2023 San Benito County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, Pacific Scientific is the fourth largest private employer in the county with 300 employees.
Three agricultural companies—Earthbound Farms, San Benito Foods and True Leaf Farms top the local list.
Adams said residents of “liberal” districts would not support bomb components being manufactured in their community.
San Benito County is part of the 18th Congressional District represented by Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose).
The group staged its protest, which officially began with a speech by Adams, then walked toward the Pacific Scientific’s main gate to hand over their written complaint on pink paper at the security guard booth.
After a guard said he could not accept any documents, Adams left a stack of paper on the ground and the rest of the group followed by placing balloons filled with water on top of them.
Adams said the water balloons symbolized life, play and absurdity.
“Our protest is a peaceful direct action designed to shine light on the uncomfortable fact that while children starve in Gaza, American companies grow fat on weapons contracts,” he said.
Gaza is part of Palestine, which is recognized as a state by more than 140 countries, according to CNN. The United States does not recognize a Palestinian state.
Adams said the group plans on conducting similar protests it calls “water balloon uprisings” at Joby Aviation and Lockheed Martin, located in Santa Cruz County. He said both have contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense.
Pacific Scientific did not immediately respond to BenitoLink’s request for comment.
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