Collective dissent letters have had crucial impact in Israel

I think that putting the ad in the Hebrew language version of Ha'aretz is a better idea than may be apparent to many American Jews. Israelis relate to these kind of letters. My guess is that coming unexpectedly from Jewish-Americans, the ad will have a special impact, even with just the names currently endorsing the letter.

Letters of protest seem to have a greater power to get public attention in Israel than in most places. There are many examples of this kind of thing. There was a 1970 letter to the Prime Minister sent by 54 high school students expressing doubts about joining the Army and participating in The War of Attrition against Egypt. A description of this event is included in many written histories of the time. Also, the refusers' letter of 2002 made a big impression not only on the public, but on the then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Some believe the Sharon's disengagement from Gaza was partially motivated by the challenge presented by the reservists who declared their intent to refuse to serve in the occupied territories. Unfortunately, the reservists movement has pretty much been marginalized. Maybe, the hope now rests with today's high school movement. They also have a letter.