Israeli youths reject army call-up

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Ebikatsu
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Israeli youths reject army call-up

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Some Israeli youth see conscription as a tool by which their state oppress a dispossessed people

More than 80 Israeli students have announced their refusal to serve in the Israeli military because of what they call their nation's track-record of oppression in the occupied territories.

The conscientious objectors issued a letter declaring their determination not to join up during a news conference in Tel Aviv in protest against the government's policies towards Gaza and the West Bank.


"We cannot ignore the truth - the occupation is a violent, racist, inhumane, illegal, undemocratic, immoral and an extreme condition that presents a mortal danger to both peoples," the letter read.


"We, who were educated on the values of liberty, justice, honesty and peace, cannot accept it."

It was signed by 84 high school students.

Four of the signatories at the news conference on Monday said they were aware that refusing to enlist would land them in jail, but noted that they were acting out of loyalty to their values and those of the society they live in.

"We were born into the reality of the occupation and many in our generation see it as something 'natural'," Or Ben-David, a 19-year-old from Jerusalem, said.

Ben-David is legally obliged to join the army at the beginning of November.

"But I opened my eyes to what was around me and became critical of the Israeli society. I visited in the West Bank and met with Palestinians, it changed my view of things."

Jail sentence

When asked whether she would do a different kind of public service, another refusenik - Amelia Marcovich - said she considered public service and volunteering to be a lifelong activity and not just something that you do for two or three years because you have to.

"I hope that sitting in jail won't dampen my desire to contribute to the society and that I'll keep on volunteering afterward," she said.

Another objector, Effie Brenner, a student, said he is refusing against his parent's wishes. "My parents reacted really badly when I told them I wouldn't join the army. They threatened to kick me out of house," he said.

Nevertheless, he said it was easier to do three years of military service than to stand up and make a statement and even sit in prison for what you believe in.

"One of the reasons I refuse to join is because I want the Palestinians to know that not all Israelis are in favour of the occupation and that some people are willing to make a sacrifice to end it," Brenner said.

"Palestinians who have heard of what I'm doing have expressed thanks and encouragement."

Brenner said the group had already employed legal representation and they were ready to face the military trials awaiting them.

Similar letters have been publicised over the years by high school seniors slated to enlist ever since the first one was written in 1979.

http://bikyamasr.com/

God bless every one of them.


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Post by Horus »

It is only a very small number and unless they generate a movement similar to the anti Vietnam draft dodgers, it will fall pretty flat. Unlike the anti Vietnam protesters, these people will actually be refusing to directly defend their country, which regardless of your views on whether or not the occupation of Palestine is justified, is not the same as refusing to serve in a foreign war that is not threatening your homeland. I personally don't think that they will get much support, unlike the anti Vietnam protesters did.
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Post by Ebikatsu »

Horus
occupation of someones land and home can never be justified :(

but you are right it will get little support for the Israeli's themselves because they stand to lose the illegal homes they have built and the billions in aid they receive from the USA.


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Post by Horus »

occupation of someones land and home can never be justified
Sorry EB :) I was not referring to the views held by you personally (whatever they may be) but a reference to any persons view on the matter, the word 'your' in my post was a general term, as in, we may all think differently. Perhaps I should have used the phrase "our own views" :)
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Post by Ebikatsu »

Horus
no worries.
I didn't even notice the use of 'your' and didn't take it personally at all. ;)



Today brings some good news too :)

Japan is going to stop refuelling the US warships fighting in Afghanistan and take a pacifist approach instead of supporting the US military.

"Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, who took office last month, has said he wants "more equal" relations with the United States and that he opposes plans to build a new US air base on the southern island of Okinawa.

Hatoyama, whose party in opposition spoke out against abetting "American wars", has for months said it would not renew the naval refuelling mission in the Indian Ocean that was first launched in 2001."

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/afp/091015/w ... fghanistan



Big salute to Mr Hatoyama. 8)
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