Support the Refuser Movements

17 December 2009

A letter from the Refuser Solidarity Network

Dear friend,

Yes, it’s that time of the year.  You are, no doubt, hearing from many groups, asking for your support.  We hope that you will be able to extend some of that financial assistance to the refuser movements in Israel.

It has been a challenging year, starting with Israel’s devastating attacks on Gaza infrastructure and people.  The peace process has gone nowhere, with Israel flagrantly rejecting President Obama’s demand to freeze settlement activity.

A new “crop” of Shministim (high schoolers who announce refusal to be conscripted into the IDF) made themselves known with the publication of their letter, followed by jail terms for several.  In addition, increasing numbers of reservists are again refusing to go to the Palestinian territories, many of them citing Gaza as the latest in a long and very depressing series of “last straws.”  They are also paying for their conscience with prison sentences.

As part of its attack on Gaza, the Government of Israel also launched broad attacks on those within Israel who oppose its policies and actions towards Palestinians.  Most notably, activists in New Profile were targeted for a criminal investigation and harassed by the police.

As is so often the case with this conflict, there is little good news to report.  On the other hand, the refuser organizations have maintained and in some cases increased their levels of activity and impact.

We believe that the refusers remain among the most important voices and activists inside Israel (and, increasingly, among Palestinians as well, through Combatants for Peace).  You will find detailed information from several of the refuser groups in this message.  You can also find out much more by visiting our website and then clicking through to the websites of the groups.

We hope that you will continue your support of these organizations with an end of year, tax deductible contribution.  You can do so very easily with your credit card by going here and clicking on the Donate Now button.  You will also find instructions on our website for donating by check.

Many thanks in advance for your support,
The RSN Board of Directors

	The Shministim, Israel’s young conscientious objectors.
	Yesh G’vul, an Israeli group supporting soldiers with the difficult decision to refuse.
	New Profile provides education and support for nonviolent solutions.
	Combatants for Peace brings together ex-soldiers from both sides for speaking tours.
	Courage to Refuse hosts the Combatant’s Letter, a statement of refusal signed by over 600 IDF personnel