Conscientious objectors Iddo Elam and Soul Behar Tsalik tell +972 why their wartime draft refusal is a stand for a better future for all in Israel-Palestine.
Much respect to these proud anti-zionists. This is why it's so important to talk about fascist ideologies. It's not about israelis or jewish people. It's about a political genocidal ideology. It's overwhelmingly promoted by the worst christians in usa.
That's why politicians need to enforce double think like "anti-zionism = anti-semitism". That's why the imperial news hides brave resistors like these guys. That's why zionists put them in cages. They're the truth against the naked lies.
"When people claim there’s no one to make peace with because the Palestinians hate us, I always say that as an Israeli I can only change my own society. But I want this act of refusal to resonate among Palestinians as well, so that they hear our messages and understand that we want peace. I know from conversations with Palestinian friends over the years that this is something they deeply value. I’m not doing this for them; I’m doing it for myself, but I want a continuous connection with them so they don’t give up on the struggle."
People like this are a minority, but they exist, and that makes me hopeful
It's relatively normal in countries that still have conscription, if you don't serve and don't get an exception, you go to jail, otherwise what is the point of conscription vs just making it voluntary. The more damaging thing for these teens will be the social and career repercussions they face for refusing to serve, they will be barred from many lucrative jobs that will automatically filter out people who refused to serve, etc.
I can't recall any stories of any objectors enduring anything particularly bad, maybe it would get worse if more people started doing it, barely anyone rejects their service, even during active moments of conflict