Workers arriving at the Caterpillar - Perkins factory in Irlam, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom, this morning were surprised by a 30 foot yellow banner with an acrylic image of a Palestinian, head in hands, whose house is being demolished by a Cat bulldozer while an Israeli soldier stands guard. The spray-painted text proclaims “Stop Caterpillar… Palestine… House Demolitions… Apartheid Wall… Perkins… 100% owned by Caterpillar… Israeli Tank Deal”.

It was all too much for some - they kept their windows firmly sealed while staring straight ahead. Others were interested but scared that someone might notice, a few shouted at us and declined any discussion. But quite a number, especially those not driving a Jag, perhaps even walking to work, were curious enough to take our leaflet and the War on Want Shareholders anti-Report. Some knew nothing about their company’s role in Palestine and thanked us for the information. Some knew of the issues and agreed with us completely. Some, it seems, were embarrassed to go into work through our line.

This program was produced by Chris Edwards on April 8th 2005.

For more information, visit:
stopcat.org
catdestroyshomes.org
rachelcorriefoundation.org

The International Solidarity Movement (ISM) group in Rafah, Gaza Strip in 2003 saw two of its volunteers killed by the Israeli military. Rachel Corrie was crushed under an armored Caterpillar D9 bulldozer as she tried to prevent the demolition of a pharmacist’s home. Tom Hurndall was shot in the head by an Israeli sniper as he attempted to move several Palestinian children off a road to safety. This short but powerful documentary records the goals and work of that group in the aftermath of Rachel and Tom’s deaths.

This program was produced by Mike McCurdy in 2003.

For more information, visit:
palsolidarity.org (ISM)
rachelcorriefoundation.org
Electronic Intifada’s coverage of Tom’s death

Cecilie Surasky of Jewish Voice for Peace and Michael Passoff of the As You Sow Foundation discuss the shareowner resolution they filed with Caterpillar over the Israeli Defense Forces’ use of their bulldozers to commit human rights abuses in the occupied territories. Bill Somplatsky-Jarman of the Presbyterian Church USA discusses how its Mission Responsibility Through Investment committee is engaging Caterpillar, Citigroup, Motorolla, United Technologies, and ITT to promote peaceful solutions to the conflict between Israel and Palestine.

This podcast was produced by Corporate Watchdog Media.

For more information, visit:
corporatewatchdogmedia.blogspot.com
jewishvoiceforpeace.org
www.asyousow.org/
www.pcusa.org/
www.catdestroyshomes.org/