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View Full Version : I'm going to jail because I refuse to join the IDF



Omri Evron
13th October 2006, 19:35
Sunday, october 15th, is the date of my conscription to the IDF. I plan to refuse and go to military prison. I'm doing this foremost as a protest against the Occupation. I do not know for how long I'll be sentenced, but I hope I'll be free again in around two months. There will be demonstrations in this coming week (and I hope more demonstrations will be held later) in support of my act and of Lior Vollinich, who plans to refuse on the 18th.


Unfortunately, I won't be able to respond to this topic (or anything else) for some time. Still, if anyone wants to, they could reach me at: [email protected]
and other refuseniks at: [email protected] (but again, I may not be able to respond)


This is my refusal statement:


Omri Evron,
Tel Aviv 12 October 2006

I, Omri Evron, refuse to serve in the army because I am faithful to the moral principles in which I believe. My refusal to enlist is in protest against the longstanding military occupation of the Palestinian people, an occupation that deepens and entrenches the hatred and terror between peoples. I oppose participation in the cruel war for the control over the occupied territories, a war waged in order to protect the Israeli settlements and to maintain the “Greater Israel” ideology. I refuse to serve an ideology that does not recognize the right of all nations to independence and a peaceful coexistence. In no way am I prepared to contribute to the systematic oppression of a civilian population and the deprivation of their rights – as it is being carried out by the apartheid regime and the Israeli military in the occupied territories. I am outraged by the starvation and incarceration of millions of people behind walls and checkpoints. I refuse to enlist because I do not believe that violence is a solution and that war brings peace.

I refuse to serve the arms industries, mega corporations, greedy contractors, preachers of racism and cynical leaders whose business is the advancement of suffering and who rob people of their basic human rights. I refuse in order to draw attention to the fact that not everyone is ready to be indoctrinated by and co-opted for nationalist and racist causes. With this act I want to express my solidarity with all prisoners for freedom worldwide. I refuse to believe the lies that come to sow division and antagonism between workers on both sides of the border so that they cannot join hands in the struggle for their rights. I would like my refusal to be a message of peace and solidarity and to appeal to all those who kill, and are prepared to be killed, for interests that are not their own, to lay down their arms and to join the struggle for a more just world.

Though I am aware that this act constitutes an infringement of Israeli law, I am compelled to stand by my democratic, humanist and egalitarian values. Military rule over millions of Palestinians is not democratic. It is my duty to oppose any law that makes it possible to deprive others of their rights and freedom, or to treat them with such violence that their fundamental humanity is negated.

I refuse against the nationalist “peace for the settlements” war.
I refuse against the systematic oppression and humiliation of civilians.
I refuse against the occupation and military rule that prevents a civilian population from determining its own fate.
I refuse against the apartheid and racist regime.
I refuse to consider people my enemies for reasons of race, ethnicity or religion.
I refuse to take part in the bloody cycle that is destroying both peoples.
I refuse in order to call for inter-national solidarity for the sake of peace and the well-being of all nations that wish to live in freedom and free of exploitation, oppression and war.

I refuse to kill! I refuse to oppress! I refuse to occupy!

I declare my loyalty to peace and refuse to serve the war and occupation!




So please, if you support this cause, spread the word!

rioters bloc
13th October 2006, 19:39
awesome dude :D totally support you, and i hope you stay safe.. keep fighting the good fight.

Demogorgon
13th October 2006, 19:47
I have nothing but admiration for you for this.

Incidentally this may not work for you, but I understand there are ways to avoid prison for this even in Israel. The courts sometimes recognize consciencious objectors.

bolshevik butcher
13th October 2006, 20:01
Comrade, is there not easier ways of getting out, ie getting out without ending up in jail? I talk to a comrade in Israel over the internet fairly regularly and they avoided conscription to the IDF without having to go to prison.

Rollo
13th October 2006, 20:44
The surest way is to remove your index fingers. Or fall down a really long flight of stairs. Maybe when you get out you'll be like mandella?
Either way I hope things turn out for you long-term.

BreadBros
13th October 2006, 20:52
This is a very brave thing you are doing, comrade. I fully support you as I'm sure those who are against the occupation, who are against racism, nationalism, capitalism do. I wish you the best of luck and will be wishing the best for you! Keep on fighting!

socialistfuture
14th October 2006, 01:14
u should get in touch with Israel indymedia - there will be support networks to help ya, ure pretty brave man. much respect - Omri

here are sum jewish groups that might be able to help. spec the refusneks one

Israel Indymedia: israel.indymedia.org

International Middle East Media Centre - www.imemc.org

Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions - www.icahd.org/eng/

Gush Shalom - zope.gush-shalom.org/home/en

Refuser Solidarity Network - www.refusersolidarity.net/ (http://www.refusersolidarity.net/)

B'Tselem - www.btselem.org/English/index.asp

Ibdaa - www.dheisheh-ibdaa.net/

RedAnarchist
14th October 2006, 01:26
I hope you don't mind, but I've used your post as part of a Myspace bulletin - I have many friends on there who are part of anti-war and revolutionary organisations.

What you are doing is right. You are the one who is right - never let them forget that, even if you do have to go to jail (even then, make their lives a living hell!).

Sabocat
14th October 2006, 01:38
I don't think I've ever been prouder of a RevLeft member.

Solidarity brother.

Karl Marx's Camel
14th October 2006, 01:47
I am so proud of you! Always remember who is right, and who is behind the misery, the pain, death.


How is the living standards in military prisons? Is it decent/bearable?

I don't know about the system in Israel, but you should check the laws in your country about your rights. I assume that since it will be a military prison you will have fewer rights, but you might still have some. Look it up, and make sure you utilize every right that you have to your benefit. If the law says you have the right to bed, a certain amount of fresh air/exercise, books etc. demand that.

Noah
14th October 2006, 01:52
Everyday, i'll be thinking of good comrades like you..You are a brave man.

Can't you say you have sponylolysisthesis? If you have a doctor in the family, you could get help doing that.

Or just a slipped disk? Or will a military doctor x-ray you to see whether you are telling the truth?

Political_Chucky
14th October 2006, 01:59
Wow, that really is very admirable. Honestly, I don't think I would have enough courage to do what you are doing. I still have another year to think about that, but take care of yourself. I think I can speak for everyone when we say we are touched for what you are doing. I will post this in my blog to support your ideals.

Xiao Banfa
14th October 2006, 04:13
Shalom, Salaam. People like you make the future.

rouchambeau
14th October 2006, 16:52
You rock.

Janus
14th October 2006, 23:22
Can't you say you have sponylolysisthesis? If you have a doctor in the family, you could get help doing that.

Or just a slipped disk? Or will a military doctor x-ray you to see whether you are telling the truth?
I'm assuming that he is aware of Profile 21 in which a possible recruit can avoid conscription due to physical or psychological problems. The easiest way is to just fail the medical test and be pronounced unfit for service.

However, it seems to me that this member is doing it in order to send a message as a conscientous objector.

I wish the best for you and your fight, Omri.

Lings
14th October 2006, 23:24
Jail for being human.

I'm part of a rather large revolutionary organization and i work a lot in the solidarity-commitees for palestine i in my home town. I'll make sure people know.

Solidarity brother, you make me proud to be human.

midnight marauder
15th October 2006, 06:56
Keep on keeping on, comrade. :banner:

LoneRed
15th October 2006, 09:20
could you pm me or someone you know if you do go to jail, so we have an address to send letters and such?


Keep on Keepin on Comrade!

piet11111
15th October 2006, 09:28
whow that is admirable.

but are you certain that you want to make a statement like that ?
i mean you can lie to avoid conscription but refusal would land you in jail man.

to me it seems you want to go for the statement of refusal to join the army and i deeply respect that.

Spirit of Spartacus
15th October 2006, 13:14
We're proud of you, comrade.

Seriously.

I'm quite sure all communists stand behind you in your courageous decision. We need more comrades like you.

Don't give up no matter what!



The kings deceive us with their fumes,
Peace among ourselves, war to the tyrants!
Let us encourage strikes in the armies,
To wave their guns and disband their ranks!
If they insist, those cannibals,
To make heroes of us,
They will soon know our bullets,
Are for our own generals.

It is the final struggle
Let us gather, and tomorrow
The Internationale
Will be mankind!

kaaos_af
15th October 2006, 13:23
Perhaps we could create an online petition for the comrade.

RedStarOverChina
15th October 2006, 13:25
You can't let those bastards put you in jail that easily! :angry: Get in touch with the media and beat the draft! We are totally behind you.

RedStruggle
15th October 2006, 13:27
You are truly a model socialist, and I mean that.

chimx
18th November 2006, 22:35
now that you have access to a pair of pants with zippers again, please don't try to kill yourself!