By Addey Lilley
Yesterday, June 17th, while the MIT CEO conference was being held inside of the Koch Institute, the voices and chants of protestors outside could be heard from blocks away. The “not-to-be missed” networking event at the Koch Institute was co-hosted by MIT President Sally Kornbluth and speakers included Mass General Brigham (MGB) CEO Dr. Ann Klibanski, Governor Maura Healey, Rep Jake Auchincloss, mayoral candidate Josh Kraft, pharmaceutical heads of Research and Development, and many other individuals who profit from and are silently complicit in the United States support of Israel’s ongoing genocide. Protestors gathered outside to demand an end to MGB’s ties to Lockheed as well as other conference attendee’s complacency with Palestinian genocide.
The standout drew participants from many local organizations including MAPA, Jewish Voice for Peace, Healthcare Workers for Palestine, and BDS Boston. Circling around an amplified speaker, 40-50 activists stood strong filling the sidewalk space between a row of security guards and the main road. People held their heads and signs high despite the rain while those dry inside spent $4,450.00 per ticket to attend the conference. Onlookers of the events saw messaging criticizing Mass General Brigham’s ties to Lockheed, general US support of Israel, specific representatives’ lack of support on house and senate resolutions, and anti-war in Iran signs. Many chants named Lockheed Martin’s CEO James Taiclet, calling for MGB to disassociate with the weapons manufacturer that is directly supplying arms to Israel.
The hypocrisy of healthcare executives that are supposed to be in the business of supporting the health and well-being of Massachusetts residents while profiting from Gaza blockades that deny medical care to Palestinians is disgusting. This picket stands to highlight that Massachusetts residents are not going to allow these individuals to go on without accountability, as public action will continue until change is made.
Following this event, another MAPA hosted standout is scheduled at Jake Auchincloss’s district office on Thursday June 19th, demanding no more tax dollars for genocide. Join us along with Boston Workers Circle, Doctors Against Genocide, and JVP to make our voices heard, and follow along on MAPA’s event page for more upcoming events to get involved.
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Addey Lilley is a MAPA intern and a student at Wellesley College.
