In the wake of the ceaseless bombardment of Palestine by Israeli air raids, Marian Apparels, a garment factory located in Kannur, Kerala has announced their decision to stop accepting anymore orders for uniforms for the Israeli troops until ‘peace is restored’ in the region.
Marian Apparels has been providing around one lakh uniforms annually for the Israeli army for the past eight years. It employs 1500 people, out of which 1000 are women. The company also provides textiles to Middle Eastern and some European countries, majorly uniforms, to collect an annual turnover of Rs 50 to Rs 60 crore.
The managing director of Marian apparels, Thomas Olickal said in a press statement that it will not produce Israeli uniforms until the peace is restored. He insisted that their dedication is towards humanity and not financial profits. Speaking to The Times of India Thomas Olickal said that by this decision they are not taking any sides, even if Palestine gives orders to them they will not accept it. He reiterated that the firm made this decision on moral grounds.
Approving the company’s move, P Rajeev, Kerala Industries Minister said in a statement that Marian Apparels has been providing uniforms to the Israeli police since 2015. “The company is fully focused on the export sector. This clothing manufacturing company is behind the uniforms worn by the Philippine Army, Qatar Air Force, Qatar Police, British American security companies and hospital uniforms, not just the Israeli Police.¨
