13, January 2015 Israeli
Refusenicks
In an act of enormous courage, more and more Israelis are refusing to
perform their mandatory service in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Many of
those who refuse are subject to opprobrium and portrayed as treacherous. Mimicking the playbook of former President
Bush – “you are either with us or against us” a popular bumper sticker reads “A
real Israeli doesn’t dodge the draft.”
The strong reaction of the government is indicative that
their tight control of young Israelis is weakening. Open letters of
‘refusenicks” were published by a group of high schoolers, veterans of the
intelligence Unit 8200, alumni and former staff members of the highly
prestigious Israel Arts and
Sciences Academy.
Predictably, aggression towards those who refuse to be
drafted is widespread. As one prominent activist Ms. Rotem, remarked “Israeli
patriotism today means resisting anything which frames the occupation as
normal.” Even ultra-orthodox, Haredi’s, such as Uriel Ferera, stated that the
occupation was their primary reasons for their refusal.
Many other “gray refusers” in the thousands, find more
subtle ways to avoid the draft by siting mental health exemptions, known as a
“Profile 21.” Most who refuse the draft will lose educational opportunities and
housing.
The voices are becoming louder and louder to end the
occupation. The Israeli
author, Amos Oz, urged politicians to act as “traitors,” and make peace.
Let us hope sanity prevails and the occupation is soon ended and the siege of
Gaza is lifted.
No comments:
Post a Comment