Statement of Solidarity from MERA25 Berlin
On September 2, 2025, five courageous activists entered the premises of the biggest Israeli arms manufacturer Elbit Systems in Ulm. Through their act of civil disobedience, they confronted one of the central profiteers of war, occupation, and surveillance. They did not act out of self-interest, but in the name of human dignity, life, and justice. Their message was clear: Those who supply weapons for the war in Gaza share responsibility for the violence – and that cannot go unanswered.
Elbit Systems produces drones, targeting systems, and surveillance technologies used to systematically bomb and devastate Gaza for nearly two years. At the same time, the German government bears responsibility as well – not only by supplying weapons to Israel, but also through close cooperation with Elbit in both military and civilian projects, giving the company access to universities, research institutions, and security agencies.
The five activists decided they could no longer accept this. They deliberately broke rules to draw attention to a greater injustice – nonviolently, publicly, and out of moral conviction. That is the essence of civil disobedience. And that is exactly why they do not belong in prison, but deserve political and societal support.
Instead, they have been held in pretrial detention since their action, facing charges of trespassing, property damage, and forming a so-called “criminal organization.” This is not the rule of law in action, but politically motivated intimidation of anti-war protest.
Those who resist arms companies and war are being criminalized. And not just here: for example, the organization Palestine Action was banned in the UK in July 2025 because – like the Ulm 5 – it used direct action to oppose Elbit. Showing solidarity with this group is now considered a criminal offense. During a peaceful demonstration in London, nearly 900 people were arrested, many of them violently, despite having committed no acts of violence. This is not an isolated incident, but part of a global wave of repression targeting leftist movements opposing the international war agenda.
But we will not be divided, intimidated, or silenced. The Ulm 5 are not alone. They represent a growing movement against militarism, armament, and complicity.
We at MERA25 and DiEM25 stand with them and demand the following from the German government:
- Immediate release of the Ulm 5 – drop all charges!
- Stop the criminalization of civil disobedience and anti-war protest in Germany!
- Elbit must be banned from German universities, security agencies, and research partnerships!
- End all military and political cooperation with a company that profits from war crimes!
- We demand a clear political stance against the ban on Palestine Action in the UK!
- Diplomatic pressure on the British government is necessary: Solidarity is not a crime!
Resistance to war is not a crime – it is a democratic right.
Solidarity is our answer to repression. Now more than ever.
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