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Support for the refusniks
Statement of support for the refuseniks on trial
We, the undersigned, Jews in Europe, support the young refuseniks currently on trial - Yoni Ben Artzi, Haggai Matar, Matan Kaminer, Shimri Tsameret, Adam Maor and Noam Bahat - in their conscientious refusal to become soldiers of the occupation.
Today:
* when the Israeli government’s policies violate the human rights of the Palestinian people;
* when the Israeli government uses the tool of collective punishment against civilians, preventing them from working, and from obtaining health treatment and education;
* when Palestinian cities are under constant siege and curfew;
* when the ‘separation wall’ currently being built inside the West Bank is effectively confiscating Palestinian lands, creating ghettoes out of Palestinian villages and towns, cutting their occupants off from their fields and from other Palestinians;
* when the very future of the Middle East is at stake;
these brave youngsters are the voices of morality and reason inside Israel itself.
'The only ‘crime’ these young people have committed it that of following their consciences in refusing to collaborate in an illegal and immoral occupation. They have been kept in prison for more than a year, rather than being allowed to contribute to Israeli society through alternative civilian humanitarian service.
Their trial is coming to an end. If convicted, they can be sentenced to three years in prison. We demand their immediate release as prisoners of conscience, and that they be allowed to perform alternative civilian service.
Could you please confirm your willingness to add your name and send an e-mail to me as the EJJP Refuseniks Coordinator: ilanbakal@yahoo.com or use the contact form on this website.
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