Breaking the Silence - Israeli Soldiers Speak

I like that "Refuseniks" term. Sort of reminds me of old school Russia.

This is the side of the issues you never hear about.

They're called "Refuseniks" but not for refusing to serve. They've done it proudly and courageously, and here's how "Courage to Refuse" members state their position: "We, reserve officers and soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF)....have always served in the front lines....were first to carry out any mission, light or heavy, (and we did it) to protect the State of Israel and strengthen it. We....served....long weeks every year, in spite of dear cost to our personal lives, have been on reserve duty all over the Occupied Territories, and were issued commands and directives that had nothing to do with the security of our country (but were only given to perpetuate) our control over the Palestinian people. We('ve)....seen the bloody toll this Occupation exacts from both sides. ....the commands issued to us in the Territories (have) destroy(ed) all the values (we learned) growing up in this country. ....the (way) the Occupation (undermines the) IDF's human character and (exposes) the corruption of the entire Israeli society. We....know that the Territories are not Israel, and that all settlements are bound to be evacuated in the end. We hereby declare that we shall not continue to fight this War of the Settlements. We shall not continue to fight beyond the 1967 borders to dominate, expel, starve and humiliate an entire people. We hereby declare that we shall continue serving the Israel Defense Forces in any mission that serves Israel's defense. The missions of occupation and oppression do not serve this purpose - and we shall take no part in them."

The point is, they've had it. Everyone has had it. Everyone is just so fucking tired of all the killing.

The headline links to the source.