Support Israel's Conscientious Objectors

by

Just last week I received an inspiring email from Jewish Voice for Peace, asking me to support the Shministim, a young group of Israeli conscientious objectors who refuse to serve in the Israeli military because of what they consider to be an unlawful and unethical occupation of Palestinian land. One conscientious objector, Raz Bar-David Varon, says, “I wasn’t born to serve as a soldier who occupies another, and the struggle against the occupation is mine too. It is a struggle for hope, for a reality that sometimes feels so far away. I have a responsibility for this society. My responsibility is to refuse.” Her sentiment is held by all who have joined the Shministim.

In response, the Israeli government has jailed these young people, contrary to basic human rights and international law.

In what is considered a highly militaristic society, becoming a conscientious objector in Israel takes an extraordinary amount of courage. Although I cannot refuse with them, I am inspired by their actions and want to spread their powerful message of hope, change, and dialogue. A strong conscientious objector movement within Israel could have a significant impact on the course of the occupation and increase dialogue within and between Israel and Palestine. It humanizes Israelis and forces other Israelis to face the humanization of Palestinians, an occupied people.

The most legitimate advocates to end the occupation will always come from within Israel and the American Jewish community. As an Arab American, I do think it is important for us to organize and have our voices heard, but the reality is that not much will change until Israelis and American Jews begin to speak louder than the likes of AIPAC and the Israeli establishment. Arab Americans can support this process, but nothing speaks more legitimately than an Israeli who refuses to serve or an American Jewish lobby organization that diametrically opposes AIPAC positions.

To support the Shministim and send a letter to the Israeli Minister of Defense, visit http://december18th.org/.