Since October 2023, U.S. ports have facilitated arms shipments to Israel every 15 hours, contributing to the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Chris Smalls, founder of the Amazon Labor Union, asserts that this practice undermines global worker solidarity. He connects labor rights to Palestinian liberation by emphasizing shared struggles against oppression.
Smalls' Journey to Advocacy
Smalls rose to prominence by organizing Amazon workers in Staten Island, achieving the first U.S. union at the company in 2022. His experiences with corporate resistance shaped his views on broader injustices.
This background led him to advocate for Palestinians, viewing their plight as an extension of worker exploitation. According to Smalls in a Forge interview, Black and Brown communities have historically united against systemic oppression.
He highlights how Palestinians live in U.S. neighborhoods as neighbors and allies. This connection drives his commitment to ending Israel's siege on Gaza.
The Freedom Flotilla Mission
In July 2025, Smalls joined the Handala ship in the Freedom Flotilla to deliver aid like medical supplies and toys to Gaza. The mission aimed to break Israel's blockade, not just provide relief.
Israeli forces intercepted the vessel, detaining participants including Smalls. He faced assault during custody, with injuries to his neck and back, as reported in Truthout.
Smalls described the ordeal as racially motivated, drawing parallels to discrimination in America. Despite this, he vowed to continue such efforts for Palestinian freedom.
Labor's Role in Solidarity
Smalls criticizes U.S. unions for inaction on Gaza. The AFL-CIO has passed no resolutions since October 2023, despite members' involvement in arms production and shipping.
He urges dock workers to block shipments, mirroring Greek workers who refused to handle Israeli cargo. In The Nation, Smalls stated unions must prioritize humanity over politics.
Amazon's Project Nimbus, a $7.2 billion deal with Israel for cloud services, exemplifies corporate complicity. Smalls links this to surveillance harming Palestinians, urging divestment.
Historical Ties to Black-Palestinian Solidarity
Smalls' actions reflect a long history of Black-Palestinian alliances. Figures like Malcolm X condemned Zionism as colonialism in the 1960s.
Modern parallels include shared police tactics between the U.S. and Israel, as noted in a 2018 Jewish Voice for Peace report. Smalls embodies this by risking his safety for the cause.
Polls show Black Americans strongly support reducing U.S. aid to Israel, with 47% favoring cuts per an Economist/YouGov survey. This sentiment fuels grassroots movements.
Calls for Action in the Labor Movement
Smalls advocates militant steps, like rank-and-file workers leading when executives falter. He praises international unions that have divested and halted arms flows.
In a recent Al Jazeera discussion, Smalls said if U.S. dock workers followed overseas examples, the genocide could end. This underscores labor's power to influence global events.
He also calls for confronting union leadership directly, planning protests at AFL-CIO headquarters to demand accountability. Workers hold the key to disarming conflict.
Broader Implications for Workers
Linking these struggles educates workers on interconnected oppressions. Smalls argues ignoring Palestinian workers betrays the core labor principle of collective defense.
As a father, he motivates action by highlighting the human cost, refusing to let children grow up amid unchecked violence. This personal drive adds urgency.
Unions can build community through resistance, fostering bonds like those on the Handala. Smalls sees hope in youth-led protests on campuses worldwide.
Challenges and Optimism Ahead
Despite facing arrests and health issues like scabies from detention, Smalls remains committed. He draws strength from past victories against Amazon.
Critics label him a grifter, but his risks for Palestine counter this narrative. Solidarity movements continue to grow, inspired by his example.
Amazon's ties to military tech highlight how corporate profits fuel conflicts. Workers must challenge these to protect global rights.
This connection between workers' rights and Palestinian liberation reveals labor's potential to combat injustice. It calls on unions to act decisively for a more equitable world.
