Wd., 22nd June, 2022, 4pm London, 5pm Berlin, 6pm Tel Aviv: Refusing to serve in the military in Israel

A Conversation with conscientious objectors Shahar Perets and Eran Aviv

In a webinar on June 22, 2022, refusers Shahar Perets and Eran Aviv will explain their approaches to conscientious objection in Israel and address the importance of conscientious objection to a peace and reconciliation process in the Middle East.

Refusing to serve in the Israeli army, 19-year-old Shahar Perets opposes the Israeli government’s occupation policy in the West Bank and East Jerusalem: "Some years ago, I attended a summer camp for Israeli and Palestinian youth. There I met Palestinian boys and girls, kids like me, for the first time. They became my friends. I have attended that summer camp every year since. Today I refuse to hurt the people I met that summer and every summer since."

Conscientious objector Eran Aviv, 19, says: "We need to make sure that every Israeli recognizes the reality of what it is to live as a Palestinian in the West Bank under military occupation. We need to make sure that Israel finally puts a stop to the occupation of the Palestinians’ lands and the violation of their basic human rights. I will continue to share my story and my political reflections with as many young Israelis as possible to make sure they know they have a choice."

In our webinar on 22^nd June, Sharar and Eran will report on their respective motives for conscientious objection, as well as shedding light on the background and current developments of the conflict in Israel/Palestine, especially with regard to their significance for young people.

The webinar will be held in Hebrew and English with simultaneous interpretation.

The webinar is free but registration is required. You can register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vUfAugMzRCKZe-C_M94GZA

The webinar is organized by War Resisters’ International, Connection e.V., Refuser Solidarity Network und Mesarvot