Protests Erupt at Brooklyn Navy Yard Over Tenant Ties

Tensions have escalated at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, a city-owned industrial park, where activists are demanding the eviction of two companies over their alleged business connections to the Israeli military. The long-running dispute saw eight protesters arrested on September 17, 2025, after the facility's management restricted public access during a board meeting.

The controversy centers on Easy Aerial, a drone manufacturer, and Crye Precision, a camouflage technology firm. Protesters, organized under the Demilitarize Brooklyn Navy Yard campaign, have been active for over a year, arguing that public property should not host businesses linked to foreign military operations.

The Companies at the Center of the Dispute

The campaign for eviction targets two specific tenants leasing space within the Navy Yard, a hub promoted by New York City for small and minority-owned businesses. Activists claim the presence of these companies contradicts the park's community-focused mission.

Easy Aerial and Drone Technology

Easy Aerial develops and manufactures small surveillance drone systems. The company is led by Ido Gur, who is identified as a veteran of the Israeli air force. Activists point to public statements from one of the company's investors, Cavaret Ventures, an Israeli fund. In a social media post, the fund described Easy Aerial as playing a "pivotal role" in addressing Israel's defense requirements during the conflict in Gaza. Easy Aerial has not publicly responded to requests for comment regarding these claims.

Crye Precision and Camouflage Patterns

Crye Precision designs and licenses high-performance apparel and equipment, including its trademarked MultiCam camouflage patterns. The company's connection to the Israeli military has been a major point of contention. According to a lawsuit, the company acknowledged its patterns have been used by Israeli forces. Furthermore, its website lists Agilite, an Israeli tactical gear company, as a partner. Agilite's marketing materials feature images of Israeli soldiers using equipment with the MultiCam pattern.

In a public statement, Crye Precision denied having direct contracts with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) or any Israeli manufacturers. The company stated that a reference to Israel in a federal court document was "incorrect and an oversight."

The company also noted that the standard uniform for the Israeli military does not feature a camouflage design. However, a whistleblower previously alleged that Crye Precision directly supplied the Israeli armed forces.

A Year of Activism and Escalating Tensions

The Demilitarize Brooklyn Navy Yard campaign has sustained its efforts for more than a year, employing various tactics to pressure the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation (BNYDC), the non-profit organization that manages the city-owned property.

Protest activities have included regular picketing, delivering testimony at BNYDC board meetings, and circulating a petition. The petition, which calls for the eviction of the two companies, has reportedly been signed by 115 workers and tenants within the Navy Yard.

Support from a State Senator

The protesters' cause has gained support from New York State Senator Jabari Brisport, who represents the district. Speaking at a recent demonstration, Brisport voiced his unequivocal support for the eviction. "Mark my words: They will be removed," he stated to the crowd gathered outside the complex. Brisport has described himself as a strong supporter of the Navy Yard's mission but said he could not ignore the presence of "two companies complicit in the genocide."

Recent Confrontation and Arrests

The situation reached a critical point on September 17, 2025. The BNYDC took steps to limit protest activity by canceling the public comment portion of its scheduled board meeting and prohibiting activists from holding a press conference in a courtyard typically open to the public.

In response, some protesters blocked an entrance to the Navy Yard. The New York Police Department (NYPD) intervened, arresting eight individuals. According to the NYPD, seven were charged with obstructing governmental administration and disorderly conduct.

Following the arrests, a crowd of over 100 people continued to protest outside the facility. BNYDC officials later stated that the courtyard was closed for security reasons and that a designated protest area had been established to ensure safety. Officials also claimed that protesters had not complied with requests to keep entrances and exits clear.

Questions of Transparency and Accountability

Activists have also raised concerns about how the companies are represented in the Navy Yard's official directory. Crye Precision is listed under the "fashion/accessories" category, while Easy Aerial is categorized under "arts/photography."

Maisha Morales, a local resident and community advocate, criticized this classification. "If you’re bold enough to allow them to rent here, to get subsidized with our tax dollars, at least be honest," she said.

The BNYDC responded by stating that its directory uses broad categories to facilitate business collaboration. It argued the descriptions are generally accurate, as Crye Precision sells apparel and Easy Aerial's drones utilize cameras. Senator Brisport mentioned that BNYDC President Lindsay Greene seemed open to making the directory more transparent but remained opposed to eviction.

The protests at the Brooklyn Navy Yard are part of a broader movement by pro-Palestinian activists to disrupt supply chains they believe support Israeli military actions. Similar campaigns have targeted shipping companies and other technology firms across the United States and Europe.