Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
Editorials & Other Articles
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
Israeli activist: Couldn't wear uniform that symbolizes killing
Itamar Greenberg is an 18-year-old Israeli conscientious objector who has been repeatedly jailed, and has served five consecutive sentences at Neve Tzedek military prison in Central Israel, for refusing to enlist in the Israeli army after being summoned for compulsory military service. Here he describes why he refuses to serve in the Israeli army:
Hi, I’m Itamar Greenberg, an 18-year-old activist for reconciliation, equality, and justice. Two weeks ago, I was released from Israeli military prison after serving 197 days for refusing to enlist in the Israeli army. I was born into a Haredi (ultra-Orthodox Jewish) family in Bnei Brak. ...
For most Israelis, military service is not only a legal obligation, but almost a necessity – a marker of pride and prestige. But as I learned more about the Israeli army’s role in controlling and suppressing millions of Palestinians, I understood that enlisting wasn’t just a gateway to Israeli society -it was an active participation in a system of violence, domination and oppression.
I realized that if I joined, I would become part of the problem. I understood that for me, it was a choice: mainstream Israeli society or morality. I chose morality. This decision wasn’t the result of a single dramatic moment but rather the culmination of a long process of learning and moral reckoning. The more I learned, the more I knew I couldn’t wear a uniform that symbolizes killing and oppression.
All of this relates to refusing in the context of the occupation. But in my case, refusing to serve also came in the context of genocide: I refused because I did not want to be involved in perpetrating genocide. I am what is known as a genocide refusenik [a term used in Israel to describe conscientious objectors].
In Israel, refusing to serve for political and moral reasons carries a heavy personal cost. Socially, it may entail ostracization and shaming. Legally, because military conscription is mandatory – with certain exemptions, including for Palestinian citizens of Israel, or on specified grounds – refusing to enlist on conscientious grounds is punishable with prison time.
I was repeatedly sentenced to military prison by an Israeli army colonel. In total, I served 197 days, spread over five separate terms. Until the final hours of my detention, I had no idea how many more months of prison awaited me. ...
Source: Amnesty International.
Hi, I’m Itamar Greenberg, an 18-year-old activist for reconciliation, equality, and justice. Two weeks ago, I was released from Israeli military prison after serving 197 days for refusing to enlist in the Israeli army. I was born into a Haredi (ultra-Orthodox Jewish) family in Bnei Brak. ...
For most Israelis, military service is not only a legal obligation, but almost a necessity – a marker of pride and prestige. But as I learned more about the Israeli army’s role in controlling and suppressing millions of Palestinians, I understood that enlisting wasn’t just a gateway to Israeli society -it was an active participation in a system of violence, domination and oppression.
I realized that if I joined, I would become part of the problem. I understood that for me, it was a choice: mainstream Israeli society or morality. I chose morality. This decision wasn’t the result of a single dramatic moment but rather the culmination of a long process of learning and moral reckoning. The more I learned, the more I knew I couldn’t wear a uniform that symbolizes killing and oppression.
All of this relates to refusing in the context of the occupation. But in my case, refusing to serve also came in the context of genocide: I refused because I did not want to be involved in perpetrating genocide. I am what is known as a genocide refusenik [a term used in Israel to describe conscientious objectors].
In Israel, refusing to serve for political and moral reasons carries a heavy personal cost. Socially, it may entail ostracization and shaming. Legally, because military conscription is mandatory – with certain exemptions, including for Palestinian citizens of Israel, or on specified grounds – refusing to enlist on conscientious grounds is punishable with prison time.
I was repeatedly sentenced to military prison by an Israeli army colonel. In total, I served 197 days, spread over five separate terms. Until the final hours of my detention, I had no idea how many more months of prison awaited me. ...
Source: Amnesty International.