Today's the final day of the American campaign to support the shministim, the Israeli kids refusing to serve the occupation, but I don't see it getting covered here, I do see it in Haaretz: because Haaretz is trying to save Israel. And the shministim have now been joined by 24 American resisters, servicemen and veterans, who've signed a letter of solidarity with the Israeli shministim:
We are U.S. military servicemembers and veterans who have
refused or are currently refusing to fight in Iraq and Afghanistan.
We stand in solidarity with the Israeli Shministim (Hebrew for 12th graders)
who are also resisting military service. About 100 Israeli high school students
have signed an open letter declaring their refusal to serve in the Israeli army
and their opposition to "Israeli occupation and oppression policy in the
occupied territories and the territories of Israel." In Israel, military service
is mandatory for all graduating high school seniors, and resisters face the
possibility of years in prison.
We have also refused to participate in unjust acts of military aggression, and
many of us have gone to prison or currently live with that possibility as a
result. We believe that resistance to unjust war is a bold assertion of
humanity in the face of overwhelming violence.
The Global War on Terror, like the Israeli occupation, is propped up by racism
and dehumanization and sets the stage for never-ending war and occupation. We
are inspired by the brave refusal of our brothers and sisters in Israel to take
part in these destructive policies, and we want to let them know today,
December 18th â the day of international solidarity with the Shministim
â that they have our deepest respect and support.
