A renowned Canadian literary award has removed the name of Scotiabank from its title due to protests over the bank’s investment in an Israeli weapons manufacturer.
The award will now be known as the Giller prize, retaining Scotiabank as its main sponsor. Scotiabank’s ties to Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest arms manufacturer, prompted the name change.
No Complicity in Genocide
Activists protested at the 2023 Giller Prize ceremony against Scotiabank and Elbit’s complicity in the Palestinian genocide, leading to authors withdrawing from participation. The Giller Foundation defended the name change to focus on literary works.
Elbit Systems’ Complicity
Actions against Elbit Systems in the UK aim to disrupt Israel’s arms trade, targeting the company’s various facilities. Elbit Systems is a major supplier to the Israeli military.
(PC, Al-Mayadeen)