Israeli alumni urges refusal to military service

Over fifty alumni, former educators and staff members of the Israel Arts and Science Academy, Jews and Palestinians, have published a letter calling the high-school community – students and alumni alike – to refuse service in the Israeli military.

2014 was marked by outright violence and racism against Palestinians, both in Israeli politics and within Israeli society.

At the same time, some critical voices who call on refusing to serve the oppressive system were also heard – this letter is the fourth of its kind to be published this year.

However, it is unique in that both Israeli Jews and Palestinians have formulated and signed it, and by insisting on making an explicit call for refusal – which risks severe punishment under Israeli law.

The letter and website emphasize the role of the Israeli educational system in indoctrinating and preparing youth for military service, as well as the role of societal expectations: “The refusal to serve means also resisting the militaristic indoctrination process we all went through since our childhood in schools, youth movements, national ceremonies, in high school – and which continues in our adult lives.”

The letter’s signatories call on their fellow alumni, present and future, to join the call and actively refuse Israeli occupation and apartheid.

The initial list of signatories constitutes an unusually high number, especially when coming from a small single institute.