January 2, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Protest Planned at Cambridge Arms Maker Over Gaza Bombing
CAMBRIDGE – Local groups supporting Palestinian rights will gather outside Centra Industries in Cambridge on Saturday, Jan. 3 to speak out against the local weapons company’s role in Israel’s attacks on Gaza.
Centra Industries produces parts used in F35 fighter jets that have been bombing Gaza. Since October 2023, they’ve shipped over 174 batches of weapons components to Lockheed Martin in Texas, taking advantage of a loophole in export rules.
This loophole isn’t accidental; it’s deliberately set up to get around Canada’s obligations under the Arms Trade Treaty and let war crimes turn into money-making opportunities.
Members from the Palestinian Youth Movement’s local chapter, Neighbours for Palestine Waterloo Region, and others plan to rally at Centra Industries on Saturday. They want an immediate arms embargo and are urging local MPs to back the No More Loopholes Bill, which would close off ways for Canadian-made weapons parts to be sent to Israel.
“Canada is utilizing its loopholes with The United States as a way to continue to profit off of human rights violations. Our community completely rejects the notion that the Canadian government is powerless to end the sales of these weapons and that we should prioritize war profiteering over human lives. We will continue to show up until we see a complete two way arms embargo on Israel,” said Fou Fou N. of Palestinian Youth Movement.
“The New Year is a time for renewal, and our resolution is simple: we will keep speaking up until Canada ends its complicity in genocide. Our MPs have the power to act-and we will hold them accountable until they do,” said Aamina P. of Neighbours for Palestine Waterloo Region.
Experts from the United Nations warn that sending Israel any weapons or parts likely used in Gaza probably breaks international humanitarian law. Canada’s own laws based on the Arms Trade Treaty require stopping exports when there’s a serious risk those arms could be used for major human rights abuses or violence against women and children.
The problem is, Canada isn’t doing that right now.
Canadian companies still send weapons, parts, and military tech to Israel-sometimes through the US as a middleman. These exports put Canada at risk of being involved in serious human rights violations happening in Gaza and the West Bank.
Centra Industries is just one of nine weapon manufacturers around Waterloo region linked with Israel’s bombing campaign in Gaza.
RALLY DETAILS:
Saturday, Jan. 3
1 p. m.
24 Cherry Blossom Rd., Cambridge
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