Inter­na­tio­nal Support of Conscien­tious Objec­tors and Deserters

Israel: "That is why I think it is so important to refuse"

Lecture tour 2015

(19.11.2015) November 9 to 19, 2015, Connection e.V. organized a speaking tour in Germany under the slogan "Israel/Palestine: Active against War and Militarization". 18 years old Tair Kaminer from Israel was one of two speakers. She is refusing the military service because of the Israeli governments's policy of occupation. January 10th she was sentenced a first time to 21 days. We document her speech November 2015. (ed.)

“Die US-Armee ließ mich im Stich”

US-Deserteur nach Rückkehr aus Kanada zu 15 Monaten Haft verurteilt

(22.03.2013) Der US-Deserteur Justin Colby hatte in Kanada gelebt, um einen erneuten Einsatz im Irak zu verweigern und um sich besser um seine Familie kümmern zu können. Im Sommer 2012 ging er zurück in die USA. Dort wurde er vom Militär verhaftet und ein Militärgerichtsverfahren wegen Desertion gegen ihn eröffnet. Am 22. März wurde er zu 15 Monaten Haft verurteilt. Nur aufgrund einer Vereinbarung im Vorverfahren muss er nur neun Monate in Haft bleiben.

I Refuse Conscription Because it Contradicts My Beliefs

Egypt: CO Declaration of Emad El Dafrawi

(14.04.2012) My name is Emad El Dafrawi. I’m 24 years old. I went to Cairo’s recruiting area in 2008. I received a 3-year postponement. I was supposed to deliver myself again to the recruiting area on January the 14th, 2012, but I decided not to be present in the recruiting area within the date of application.

Interview with Israeli refusenik Noam Gur

"I can’t take part in these crimes"

(14.03.2012) Earlier this week, 18-year-old Israeli Noam Gur publicly announced her intention to refuse mandatory service in the Israeli army. Set to be drafted next month on 16 April, Gur stated in an open letter: “I refuse to take part in the Israeli army because I refuse to join an army that has, since it was established, been engaged in dominating another nation, in plundering and terrorizing a civilian population that is under its control”

The Electronic Intifada contributor Jillian Kestler-D’Amours spoke with Gur about what influenced her decision to refuse military service, what the response has been so far and what she wants other young Israelis to know about the realities of serving in the Israeli army.