Move FM Global News

TEL AVIV, Israel – Two teenagers in Israel have been jailed for refusing to serve in the israeli army.

Maya Brand-Feigenbaum, 18, refused to enlist on 14 July, saying: “”The decades-long control over another nation compromises the security of the State of Israel. As a woman who loves this country, whose landscapes and people are a part of me, I cannot take part in maintaining this situation. I am aware that in our reality, we need an army to protect us against real threats, but at the same time, there is a need for people who fight for a reality free of war.”

“Anti-war activities will benefit both the country and the world to bring long-term security. Taking action to resolve the conflict and end the occupation will benefit of all residents of the land, whether Jewish, Muslim or Christian.””

She received two jail sentences of a total of 25 days.

After she served her time, which was in solitary confinement, she was given a release from military service.

“The decision to refuse military service is one I will never regret because I was true to myself, and yet all along I continued to ask myself questions to examine my stand,” Maya (pictured) said after she left prison.

“I experienced moments of great fear because the hatred people spread is poisonous. This is something I was exposed to in prison and which saddened me: hatred toward entire groups and disrespect that is borne out of fear.”

“I faced comments like ‘all Arabs should die, and if you are on their side you should die too.’ I wish the girls who spoke in this way understood that in fact we are all on the same side,” she told Mesarvot, a human rights rgoup in Israel that supports conscientious objectors.

Military conscription is mandatory for Israelis.

After Maya’s release, 18-year-old Yasmin Ricci-Yahav from Mevasseret Zion was jailed for 10 days for refusing to enlist.

“I do not question Israel’s right to have and use an army in order to defend itself,” she wrote in her refusal declaration.

“I do not wish to detract from the respect and admiration owed to those who came before me and did everything in their power to protect a state that offered a home to millions who needed a safe haven,” she said. “The Israeli army nowadays does not function only as a defense force, but as a central tool in the systematic oppression of the Palestinian people.”

“We all have experienced a childhood marred by war and hatred, and we have all grown up in a world where we have been taught to fear and to distance ourselves from the other side, but I believe there is another way to face the complex reality in which we live,” Yasmin said.

“This requires a conversation about alternatives, mutual respect and a desire for change.”

“I believe that it is the young generation in Israel that is responsible for advancing change,” Yasmin added. “I hope my refusal will contribute to the struggle and bring not only a more secure future for Israel, but also a future that inspires pride and is characterized by tolerance and compassion.”

Separately, 20-year-old conscientious objector Roman Levin remained imprisoned, despite a recommendation by the conscientious objector committee for him to be released. He was finally freed last week after 82 days in solitary confinement.

Levin, from the city of Bat Yam, south of Tel Aviv, immigrated to Israel with his Ukraine family at the age of 3. He says he understood his service would contribute to society and fulfil his duties as a citizen. “I refuse to continue my military service,” he said. “My refusal is an act of protest against an occupation that has lasted more than 50 years and of solidarity with the Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza.”

Levin previously spent 18 months service before he refused to continue. He has now completed his fourth jail sentence for refusing to serve.

(Photo credit: Mesarvot).