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The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil,    but because of the people who don't do anything about it

Occupation magazine - Activism Home page  back Print  Send To friend Natan Blanc sentenced to a seventh term in prison for refusing to serve in the Israeli Army From: David Blanc Date sent: Thu, 28 Feb 2013 08:30:09 +0000 Natan Blanc was released from military prison, February 16, 2013, after serving a sixth, 18-day, term for refusing to serve in the Israeli Army.February 28, he reported back to begin serving a seventh term, of 20 days in prison.   Background:  On Monday, November 19th, 2012, Natan Blanc, a 19 years old Israeli from Haifa, reported to the recruitment bureau of the Israeli Army, and informed the military authorities of his refusal to serve in the IDF. He was sent to a military prison camp, where he is now serving his seventh sentence. Natan cannot read his e-mail while he is in prison, but letters of support (on paper)would be appreciated, and can be sent to him at:  Natan Blanc MA 7571368 DZ 01860 Israel Defence Forces Israel   Here is what he wrote at the time to explain his decision: I began thinking about refusing to join the Israeli Army during the `Cast Lead` operation in 2008. The wave of aggressive militarism that swept the country then, the expressions of mutual hatred, and the vacuous talk about stamping out terror and creating a deterrent effect were the primary trigger for my refusal. Today, after four years full of terror, without a political process [towards peace negotiations], and without quiet in Gaza and Sderot, it is clear that the Netanyahu Government, like that of his predecessor Olmert, is not interested in finding a solution to the existing situation, but rather in preserving it. From their point of view, there is nothing wrong with our initiating a `Cast Lead 2` operation every three or four years (and then 3, 4,5 and 6): we will talk of deterrence, we will kill some terrorists, we will lose some civilians on both sides, and we will prepare the ground for a new generation full of hatred on both sides. As representatives of the people, members of the cabinet have no duty to present their vision for the futures of the country, and they can continue with this bloody cycle, with no end in sight. But we, as citizens and human beings, have a moral duty to refuse to participate in this cynical game. That is why I have decided to refuse to be inducted into the Israeli Army on the date of my call-up order, November 19, 2012.  bz Links to the latest articles in this section Refusing the war! Demonstration today, Thur. Apris 24, at 7.30 pm, Habima Square, Tel Aviv Refusing the war! Demonstration today, Thur. Apris 24, at 7.30 pm, Habima Square, Tel Aviv Saturday night protests: No to Netanyahu`s war!