Support Israelis Refusing Military Conscription in the Pursuit of Palestinian Rights
Israeli Refusers Tal Mitnick, Sofia Or, and Ben Arad
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SEND YOUR SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT TO TAL, SOFIA, AND BEN
ADD YOUR NAME TO THE LETTER BELOW AND ADD A PERSONAL MESSAGE, LETTING THEM KNOW THAT BY BEING CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS, THEY ARE CHOOSING PEACE AND JUSTICE
On December 26, 2023, 18-year-old Israeli Tal Mitnick was sentenced to 30 days for refusing to be conscripted into the Israeli military. "I do not want to take part in the continuation of the oppression and the continuation of the cycle of bloodshed, but to work directly for a solution," Tal said before entering prison.
The same week that Tal refused for the third time to report to the military and received a third term in prison, he was joined by fellow teenager Sofia Orr. “I reject participating in the violent policies of oppression and apartheid that Israel has imposed on the Palestinian people, especially now during the war,” she said.
On April 1, Tal and Sofia were been joined by Ben Arad. "My name is Ben Arad. I’m 18 years old, and I refuse to enlist in the IDF. I oppose senseless killing, the policy of intentional starvation and sickness, and the sacrifice of soldiers, civilians, and hostages... We are the public. We have a great power that the corrupt governments and organizations that represent us do not. Therefore, the push for change must come from us," Ben's Refusal Statement read.
If applicable, add your organization or faith institution as an endorser of this effort here. Partnering organizations include Fellowship of Reconciliation, Rabbis for Ceasefire, Israeli Refusers Network, Red Letter Christians, Hindus for Human Rights, and Freedom Road.
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To:
Israeli Refusers Tal Mitnick, Sofia Or, and Ben Arad
From:
[Your Name]
Despite the pro-war hysteria that countries use to justify their military endeavors, conscientious objection remains a courageous option for those committed to peace. As the ongoing genocide of Palestinians unfolds in front of the eyes of the world, your choosing this brave, though unpopular, path makes a mark for good in the pages of history being written today.
Your acts of refusal stand of the shoulders of such giants as Saint Maximilianus (the earliest recorded act of conscientious objection), Nobel Prize winner and pacifist Jane Adams, civil rights leaders Bayard Rustin, James Lawson, “good troublemaker” Congressman John Lewis and so many others, who throughout history have refused violence and war.
We thank you, send our prayers and support, and hope that your acts of courage inspire many more Israelis to join you and turn the tides from war to peace.
Towards peace,