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Shir
Regev, 19 years old, an Israeli anarchist, sentenced to a 2nd term
by Yesh Gvul
Shir Regev was released from
his 1st prison term for refusing to serve in the Israeli army, and
sentenced to a 2nd term yesterday 25/3/10, this time 10 days.
His letter to the Israeli
authorities follows.
To: Induction
Bureau, Haifa
Copies : Prime Minister Netanyahu , Minister of Defense Barak
Sirs !
My name is Shir Regev and I have been a deserter since 1/12/09.
I believe it is my personal duty
to refuse and defect from an army whose main purpose is to serve as an
occupation police for maintaining "Israeli order" and imposing it on
defenseless Palestinians who are denied citizenship.
And what is this "Israeli order"? It is an ongoing process, in effect
over 42 years, comprising a military regime over the Palestinians,
denying them access to Palestinian community resources of land, water,
agricultural crops and ores. It is also entails pollution of their land
and their streams, along with support for disenfranchisement by settlers
who live in the same areas, under a separate system of seemingly
democratic laws. And I have not even mentioned the violation of more
basic Palestinian human rights, like denying their freedom of movement,
and causing bodily harm, including mass killing, without due
investigation of alleged criminal offenses of the gravest type. These
acts may constitute war crimes under international law.
Since I have the medical profile of a "combat soldier", had I joined
the army, there is no doubt I would have been sent to serve this
"Mafiosi" system, which has almost nothing to do with the IDF's
designated role as "Defense Forces"... This is an army that serves
interests in which I do not believe.
Therefore, in the dilemma between doing such service and obeying my
conscience, I have no doubt about my decision. The day will come when my
decision is appreciated by people who presently deny the horrible
reality which we as a society are creating for another people and the
damage we are inflicting on the souls of many young Israelis who may not
be aware of the moral degradation in which they take part.
Sincerely
Shir Regev
http://www.yeshgvul.org.il
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