Embracing Pacifism: Israeli Objectors Discover Safe Haven in New York
In the wake of forced military conscription in Israel, an increasing number of Israeli citizens are choosing to defy the norm. These are the conscientious objectors, individuals who, for ethical or moral reasons, refuse to participate in mandatory military service. Their decision often leaves them ostracized and isolated from their communities. However, in the melting pot of cultures that is New York, they find acceptance and camaraderie.
The Decision to Dissent
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For the conscientious objectors, the decision to dissent from the norm is often a difficult one. The fear of being labeled as a “mishtamet,” or draft dodger, looms large. Asaf Calderon, a Jewish social worker, recalls his struggle at the age of 17 when he chose not to participate in mandatory military service. Instead, he secured a medical exemption for mental health reasons. Yet, his choice came with consequences.
“You are going to get ostracized in a way,” Calderon reflects.
The Cost of Choice
The cost of Calderon’s decision was high. Friends began to act distant, while some family members stopped all contact. Calderon soon realized that he had become a pariah in his homeland. The harsh reality of his ostracism prompted Calderon to leave Israel for New York City.
However, the recent conflict in Gaza has only intensified the pressures faced by conscientious objectors like Calderon. Israel’s ongoing military campaign in the Palestinian enclave, marked by ground forces and aerial bombardment, has been devastating.
The War in Numbers
According to the United Nations, the war has left more than 30,000 Palestinians dead, many of them children. United Nations experts have warned of a “risk of genocide.”
“I have lost my Israeli-ness. That I’m no longer Israeli,” Calderon lamented.
The Birth of Shoresh
In the wake of these events, a group named Shoresh was established in the United States. Founded at the end of November, the group seeks to promote anti-Zionism from the viewpoint of Israelis themselves. At Shoresh, Calderon found others who had avoided Israeli military service or applied for official status as conscientious objectors.
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Embracing the Outliers
Guy Erez, a member of Shoresh, recounted the relief he felt upon joining the group.
“Oh my God, somebody gets it. Thank God I’m not crazy.”
Mandatory Military Service: A Tradition Under Scrutiny
In Israel, the tradition of mandatory military service goes back as far as the country itself. Since 1948, military service has been a legal requirement for Israeli citizens. Most Israeli men serve 32 months in the military, while women serve 24 months.
However, this tradition has been increasingly scrutinized by an emerging group of dissenters. These conscientious objectors range from anti-Zionists critical of Israel’s founding as a Jewish nation-state to Orthodox Jews objecting to military service on religious grounds.
The Consequences of Refusal
Refusing military service can lead to severe consequences. Without an exemption, Israel’s Defence Service Law stipulates up to two years’ prison time for failure to fulfill military duty. This jail time can increase to five years if individuals intentionally harm themselves to avoid service.
Refusing in Solidarity with Palestinians
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has long motivated conscientious objectors. The recent war in Gaza has only amplified these motivations. Notably, an 18-year-old named Tal Mitnick chose a 30-day prison sentence over participating in the war.
“I believe that slaughter cannot solve slaughter,” Mitnick said.
A New Perspective on the Israeli Military
Roni Zahavi-Brunner, a member of Shoresh, shares a similar sentiment. Despite growing up in a relatively progressive family, Zahavi-Brunner never questioned the requirement to serve. It wasn’t until she attended boarding school in Italy and met Palestinian classmates that her perspective changed.
“We were all 16, and yet they all had so many scary interactions with the [Israeli] military at such a young age,” Zahavi-Brunner recalls.
The Role of Segregation
Zahavi-Brunner attributes her previous lack of awareness to the Israeli-orchestrated “segregation.” She believes that this segregation is intentional, preventing Israelis from understanding the reality of the Palestinians’ plight.
“It’s not very normal to meet or to have conversations [with Palestinians], and that’s very much on purpose,” Zahavi-Brunner explains.
Building a Community in Activism
Despite the backlash, Zahavi-Brunner found a sense of community in activism. She credits the Israeli activist group Mesarvot, a Hebrew word translating to the feminine form of “refusers,” for aiding her decision to refuse military service. Now, in Brooklyn, Zahavi-Brunner is part of Shoresh, hoping to challenge preconceptions about Israelis.
“People still sort of tend to look at Israel as just this like one entity, and not actually at society and the different aspects and communities within the society in Israel,” Zahavi-Brunner says.
The Power of Activism
The power of activism is evident in the work of Shoresh. The group’s members, despite being far from their homeland, are actively engaging in the discourse surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, they also face the risk of consequences to their immigration status if they participate in civil disobedience on U.S. soil.
A Safe Haven in New York
Despite the challenges, New York remains a safe haven for Israeli conscientious objectors. The city’s diverse, accepting environment allows these dissenters to voice their opinions and find a community of like-minded individuals.
“Everything I do, I do out of love for my people, for the Palestinian people, and for a better future for our country,” Calderon asserts.
The journey of these Israeli conscientious objectors is a testament to their commitment to peace and justice. In a world often divided by conflict and hatred, their story offers hope for a better, more understanding future.
