CO Sahar Vardi, 18, has been sentenced today (25 Aug 2008)

Sahar is the third conscientious objector, and the first woman, to be imprisoned among a new group of high school seniors, who signed a collective declaration of refusal to serve in the Israeli army of occupation, and in the work of organising which she has been very strongly involved.
While she stresses the importance of resisting the occupation of Palestine as a motive for her refusal, Sahar's conscientious objection is also rooted in a wider pacifist position. In a letter to the Minister of Defence, declaring her refusal to serve in the military, She wrote:
I have been to the occupied Palestinian territory many times, and even though I realize that the soldier at the checkpoint is not responsible for the wretched policy of the oppressor towards civilians, I am unable to relieve that soldier of responsibility for his conduct ... I mean the human responsibility of not causing another human being to suffer.
The bloody times in which I live (consisting of assassinations, aggression, bombings, shootings) results in increasing numbers of victims on both sides. It is a vicious circle that emanates from the fact that both sides elect to engage in violence. This choice I refuse to take part in.
A demonstration was organised to join Sahar before she goes into the Induction Base to refuse enlistment (see image on the right). About 80 people came, in a not very late hour of the morning. Media coverage was also significant. A small counter-demonstration organised by a pro-military group confronted us (quite violently - head-butting one of the demonstrators on our side in the fact, driving a motorcycle into the crowd and nearly running over an elderly demonstrator). But all in all, Sahar went there in high spirits.
Sahar decided to refuse to wear a military uniform in prison, and has put in the Isolation Ward of the prison. The Isolation Wards of military prisons in Israel are often the cite of various minor or less minor forms of abuse, so Sahar will need a lot of support. She is due to be released from prison on 31 Aug. but is likely to be imprisoned again soon afterwards.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• refusal
• occupation
• palstine
• israel
• Sahar

[vinicou]

Can someone translate to english please?

If someone translate send me a message please, i want to share this video, but i need in english

thanks

[helenbransgrove]

Israel has the fourth most powerful military in the world - courtesy of the U.S. taxpayer and the plunder of Palestinian land and resources.

Massacre Arabs, whimper anti-Semitism and whine that Israel is about to be destroyed by a few primitive rockets.

The Judeo-Nazi state is planning a genocidal onslaught on Gaza.

As Noam Chomsky says "Israel has chosen expansion, terrorism and oppression over security and peace"

Free Palestine, end the apartheid, end the genocide

Zionism=Nazism

[AyeletLovesIsrael]

*cont'd* I would respect her more if she contributed despite being a pacifist. And to all the Israel bashers commenting here, think for a moment that in our country, these types of protests happen with PROTECTION of the police and even the idf, name another country in the middle east where the government protects those who protest against it.

[AyeletLovesIsrael]

I have mixed feelings about this video. As a Zionist, I disagree with this girl's refusal to enlist. However, I respect her for standing up for her beliefs, and accepting the prison time, as opposed to many dodgers I know who pretended to be insane or religious instead of just admitting they're against enlisting. I think she should consider serving our country in another way though, there are plenty of non violent national service programs, I would respect her more if she contributed despite be

[awaywitthefaeries]

You are very brave, I commend you!

Taking a stand against occupation is something the whole world needs to do. I hope people follow your lead. You made an important step towards palestinians regaining human rights and freedom.

International law must be inforced.

[stopisraelnow]

Great video! Where is BUSH? Oh, know were to be found.

[bentagle]

Hey.... not every one is made foe army...

[helenbransgrove]

Refusing enforce a genocidal occupation is heroic.

Israel, the Judeo-nazi state jails its young people for refusing to violate international law.

[helenbransgrove]

You Judeo-Nazis have been parasites on the U.S. taxpayer for decades. You can't function without stealing Palestinian land, resources and personal property.

Israel the parasite, Nazi terrorist state.

Incompetent Neanderthal goons, who can't build a state without parasitism, theft and plunder.

[Minionuup]

The only "Plundering" of palestinian resources is done by hamas and hezzbollah.