While most Israelis support the war on Gaza, some teenagers refuse military service and risk their freedom to defend their beliefs.
In Israel, military service is compulsory for most Jewish Israelis. In a highly militarized society, many consider it a rite of passage and an element of their national identity. But some teenagers refuse to enlist for moral reasons. So-called “conscientious objectors” say they do not want to participate in Israel’s war on Gaza or the oppression of Palestinians in occupied lands. But refusing to enlist comes at a price: the risk of imprisonment and condemnation from Israeli society.
Presenter:
Anélise Borges
Guests:
Tal Mitnick – Human rights activist
Einat Gerlitz – Former conscientious objector
Nave Shabtay Levin – Former conscientious objector
