18 years old Maya Brand-Feigenbaum from Kiryat Tivon in north Israel imprisoned for refusing to serve the occupation

From: Dror Mizrahi <dror@dror-mizrahi.org>

// Press release – July 30, 2019 //

18 years old Maya Brand-Feigenbaum from Kiryat Tivon in north Israel imprisoned for refusing to serve the occupation

"I believe that refusing to serve in the military is the best and most effective way for me to promote anti-war principles and contribute to the ending of the occupation", 

she wrote in her statement of refusal 

Brand-Feigenbaum is joining 20 years old conscientious objector Roman Levin from Bat Yam, already serving more than 70 days imprisonment in military prison; the incongruity committee decided to exempt Levin from service, however the implementation of that decision is being delayed.

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This is the second imprisonment term for Brand-Feigenbaum, preceded by a 7-day term. In the aggregate, she will be serving 27 days of imprisonment in the military prison when the current term is fully served.

In her statement of refusal, she wrote:

"My heart goes to my Palestinian friends who live in fear and constant insecurity. My heart goes to Palestinian children who are taken to custody, away from their parents, subject to disgraceful treatment which crushes their human dignity. My heart goes to all of the innocent civilians who were killed for demonstrating non-violently for their freedom. I protest against the humiliation of people who want to live freely and have to pass checkpoints every day. I protest against all war crimes, committed quietly beneath the surface. In solidarity with my Palestinian friends who act non-violently, I – an Israeli – am also taking non-violent action to promote peace and end the occupation. I cannot take part in an army that violates the basic human rights of my Palestinian brothers and sisters.

Decades of domination of another people is compromising the security of the State of Israel. As a woman who loves this country, whose landscape and people are a part of me, I cannot take part in the preservation of this situation. I am aware that our reality requires having a military that will act to protect us against real threats. However, at the same time, we also need people who will act to promote a war-free reality. Anti-war activity is for the best interest of the State and the world, and will result in long-term security. Acting to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and ending the occupation is in the best interest of all residents of this land – Jews, Muslims and Christians alike".

At the same time, 20 years old conscientious objector Roman Levin from Bat Yam had already served more than 70 days behind bars. He recently appeared before the Conscientious Objectors Committee, which denied his application to be discharged on the grounds of conscientious reasons, however recommended an exemption based on unsuitability. The Incongruity Committee to which he was summoned shortly thereafter recommended his release, however the approval of the decision is inexplicably delayed. On Tuesday he was sentenced to ten additional days in military prison, which he is serving in Prison Four.

Levin was first imprisoned after having served 18 months as a military transport driver, after which he decided he can no longer continue his military service due to the policy of occupation, oppression and inequality which is implemented by the military. In his statement of refusal, published prior to his first imprisonment term, he wrote:

"I served as a military truck driver, often driving through the occupied territories. When I enlisted, I thought the military is serving the interests of Israeli citizens, but having served in the occupied territories I realized that the action of the military there is not in the best interests of me or Israeli workers in general, in particular after the continuous murder of protestors at the Gaza wall. The Nation-State Law enhanced this understanding. I came to the conclusion that you cannot hold the stick at both ends – oppose the occupation, racism and capitalist order while serving in the military which preserves the same."

>> For more details:

Dror Mizrahi

Media | Strategy | PR

Cell: +972-50-7248688

Email: dror@dror-mizrahi.org

TEL AVIV-JAFFA, ISRAEL

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