Israel: Solidarity with refusers in prison

In July, a group of Israeli teenagers publicly declared their refusal to serve in the Israeli military, protesting against the genocide in Gaza and the ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories. With their refusal, these conscientious objectors have called for an end to the war in Gaza and urged others to resist conscription. Their act of civil disobedience follows a long tradition of conscientious objection in Israel and comes at a time of intensified violence and repression.

Today, as reported by Mesarvot – a network of conscientious objectors in Israel – more than five refusers, including Yona Roseman, Ayana Gerstmann, and Yuval Pelleg, are being held in military prison for refusing to serve in the army and participate in the genocide in Gaza.

• Read Yona’s statement here

• Read Ayana’s statement here

• Read Yuval’s statement here

Solidarity

WRI stands in solidarity with Yona, Ayana, Yuval, and all conscientious objectors in Israel refusing to participate in the occupation and genocide. We invite everyone to join us in supporting their resistance.

One meaningful way to show support is by writing directly to imprisoned refusers. Prison is an isolating experience, and your messages remind them they are not alone.

Mesarvot has created online forms through which you can send solidarity letters:

• Write to Yona Roseman

• Write to Ayana Gerstmann

• Write to Yuval Pelleg

• Write to conscientious objector “B’”

• Write to conscientious objector “R’”

For regular updates from Israeli refusers, follow Mesarvot on Instagram and Facebook, and see the Refuser Solidarity Network website and subscribe to their newsletter.

War Resisters' International calls for the immediate release of all conscientious objectors. Refusing to kill is not a crime.