By Hannah Saunders
“We say justice you say how? Cut ties with Israel now!” is a chant one speaker led outside of the Amazon Spheres on the evening of June 18, where Amazon Worker Intifada (AWI) held its first protest. About 50 people gathered to push back against a closed-door meeting between Amazon Web Services (AWS) executives and Australian officials the day before Seattle’s largest FIFA World Cup match between Team USA and Australia.
AWI, a grassroots and worker-led movement, has previously reported on how Amazon is complicit in the genocide in Palestine through its technology sales, including artificial intelligence and cloud storage, and projects like Sirius and Nimbus. Amazon has also been aiding ICE in its immigration operations by providing the cloud infrastructure for surveillance and data storage.
“We cannot allow Amazon technology to power the genocide in Gaza,” an AWI organizer said.
Protesters, carrying signs that read “We see your crimes,” and “Amazon war criminals meeting here” marched in circles around both entrances of the Amazon Spheres to demand that AWS publicly disclose all financial ties to Israel, to immediately cease all contracts, and to protect pro-Palestinian speech. At one point, a bus pulled up and dropped off dozens of attendees. As they struggled to weave through chanting protesters, some lowered their heads in avoidance or chuckled in amusement and in an attempt to shake the protesters off. Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson was invited to the event, but it is unconfirmed that she attended.
People walking into the Spheres, coined “Bezos’ Balls,” were informed that they had a choice and did not need to be complicit in genocide.
During the group’s meeting on the 4th floor of the spheres, AWI proudly hoisted two effigy balloons that blared sirens and had messages that included “End contracts with Israel,” and “Andy Jassy has blood on his hands.” Attendees shifted in their chairs as AWI and others wrote messages in brightly colored chalk on the sidewalk, capturing the attention of passersby and earning the honking horns of numerous cars and a public transit bus.
As the sun began to set, someone announced the availability of free empanadas and water, ensuring those exerting themselves had an opportunity to refuel.
AWI stickers that said “Amazon kills children. Cut ties with “israel” now” sprouted up along the spheres, light posts, and nearby structures, and some were ripped off by the time the event ended. The crowd dispersed, and several stayed to chant at those who exited the meeting. There was one incident where a man in a group grabbed onto a photographer’s camera hand in frustration of being photographed.
AWI is committed to holding Amazon accountable. Follow them on Instagram.
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