Young Israelis Refuse to Participate
in Gaza ‘Genocide’
TRT World

Meet the youngsters in Israel who are refusing to serve in the army and are speaking out against their government’s fascist tendencies. The risks they have taken are high, but their courage is inspiring.

Israeli War Resister Sofi Orr
Takes a Stand for Peace

Israeli CO refuses to be part of ‘endless cycle of bloodshed’

Al Jazeera

(December 28, 2023) — Sofi Orr, who has refused to enlist in the Israeli army, tells Al Jazeera that she will not take part in what she describes as the Israeli army’s “violent policies of oppression and apartheid”.

“I choose to refuse because there is no military solution to a political problem, and now with the war that has become more apparent than ever,” she said from the town of Pardes Hanna. Orr explained that she hoped to reach young Israelis, even though she described herself as being part of a minority.

“Israeli society is an extremely militaristic one, and refusing [to serve] is absolutely not an accepted thing, and I am called a traitor, a self-hating Jew,” Orr said.

“I get wishes for me to be raped or killed. And since the war started it has gotten worse. There has been a shift to the right, and the right was already strong.”

She explained that left-wing activists, and especially Palestinian citizens of Israel, faced repression for their beliefs and positions. Hopes to reach young Israelis in particular, because peace is the only option. ‘There are seven million Palestinians here and seven million Israeli Jews here, and no one is going anywhere.’

“I am worried, but it’s worth it, because if only one person hears my words, and it makes them think, then it’s worth it and I’m willing to endure the consequences of that,” Orr added.

What struggles are Israeli activists
facing in their anti-war movement?
The Stream / Al Jazeera

The Hamas attack on October 7th sent shockwaves through Israeli society. The killing of more than 1100 people, mostly civilians, has fueled hyper nationalism and created a climate in which those who express solidarity with Palestinians risk being called traitors or terrorist sympathisers.

But even at a time when most Israelis support their government’s war effort, there are Israeli activists who, despite the abuse, continue to pursue peace. Presenter: Anelise Borges Guests: Robi Damelin – The Parents Circle Neta Heiman – Activist Tal Mitnick – Human Rights Activist

Naked, handcuffed and blindfolded:
Palestinian poet details time in Israeli custody

Palestinian poet and writer Mosab Abu Toha joined “CNN This Morning” to share his experience of being detained by the Israel Defense Forces in Gaza as he was trying to evacuate the region with his wife and children.

50 Military Reservists Refuse to Derve in Gaza War