An apparel manufacturer in Kerala that has been supplying uniforms to the Israeli army since 2015 has rejected the latest orders because of the ongoing military assault on Gaza.
Maryan Apparel Private Limited in Kannur, north Kerala, which employs about 1,500 people — 95 per cent of them women — has also been a regular supplier of military uniforms to the Philippines, Qatar, Kuwait and a few other countries.
It has decided against accepting any fresh orders from Israel as long as the assaulton Gaza continues.
“We received a message (from Israel) two or three days ago asking us to be prepared to supply additional quantities of uniforms,” Maryan Apparel managing director Thomas Olickal told a TV channel.
“The two sides (Israel and Palestinians) are blaming each other. But while we decided to meet the existing orders, we will not accept any new orders (from the Israeli army).”
He said the company didn’t worry about losing orders. “We are okay with whatever decision they take. It is our view that we shouldn’t do anything that doesn’t go with our conscience,” Olickal said.
He added that the company normally viewed orders for military uniforms as a purely business matter.
“As a company that makes uniforms, we are open to supplying to anyone. We can supply to the Palestinians or Israel; it is our business,” he said.
“Our only objection is over this issue (attack on Gaza). Otherwise, they (Israelis) are good people and very easy to deal with, and they are very prompt with payment. The only thing is, they don’t compromise on quality.”
Kerala industries minister P. Rajeev on Thursday issued a statement on his Facebook page appreciating the stand taken by the company.
“Maryan Apparel has decided not to supply any more uniforms to the Israeli army until peace is restored, due to disagreement with the mode of attack on hospitals and innocents,” Rajeev wrote.
Kerala has had a long association with Judaism. Jews are believed to have arrived in the region on merchant ships during the reign (960 BC to 922 BC) of King Solomon.
The synagogue in Kochi has been a big attraction for tourists from across the world, particularly those from Israel.
