The Shministim

I've been around this world for awhile, and it's pretty hard to leave me speechless. But when I learned about Omer Goldman - well, her story got me.

If you haven't heard the name Omer Goldman yet, have a seat and grab your Kleenex. Her courage, and the courage of the other "Shministim" in Israel is utterly humbling. And amazing. I don't use those words lightly.

As you can see from the photo, she's young and lovely. 19 years old. She's already served two terms in an Israeli military jail, where she had to wear an American military uniform (a gift to the Israelis) or face solitary confinement. Now, she's out of jail for medical reasons. But as you read this, many of her young friends are in an Israeli prison for refusing to serve in the military there.

This new generation of young Israeli kids is standing up to the government - they call 'em "Shministim." The Shministim- all about ages 17, 18, 19 and in the 12th grade - are taking a stand. They believe in a better, more peaceful future for themselves and for Israelis and Palestinians, and they are refusing to join the Israeli army. They're in jail, holding strong against immense pressure from family, friends and the Israeli government.
They need our support and they need it today.

In her own words:

"I first went to prison on September 23 and served 35 days. I am lucky, after 2 times in jail, I got a medical discharge, but I'm the only one. By the time you read this, many of my friends will be in prison too: in for three weeks, out for one, and then back in, over and over, until they are 21. The reason? We refuse to do military service for the Israeli army.

I grew up with the army. My father was deputy head of Mossad and I saw my sister, who is eight years older than me, do her military service. As a young girl, I wanted to be a soldier. The military was such a part of my life that I never even questioned it.

Earlier this year, I went to a peace demonstration in Palestine. I had always been told that the Israeli army was there to defend me, but during that demonstration Israeli soldiers opened fire on me and my friends with rubber bullets and tear-gas grenades. I was shocked and scared. I saw the truth. I saw the reality. I saw for the first time that the most dangerous thing in Palestine is the Israeli soldiers, the very people who are supposed to be on my side.

When I came back to Israel, I knew I had changed. And so, I have joined with a number of other young people who are refusing to serve - they call us the Shministim. On December 18th, we are holding a Day of Action in Israel, and we are determined to show Israelis and the world that there is wide support for stopping a culture of war. Will you join us? Please, just sign a letter. That's all it takes."

So, there you go. Omer Goldman. Now that you've met her, I'll bet you won't forget her. Better yet, damn it, do something for her, for the Shministim, for peace. Jewish Voice for Peace is the U.S. group heading things up for them. Here's the link.

One more thing - I know that this can be a tough subject for many of us Jews. But, I find it hard to believe than anyone can look Omer in the eye and tell her that she has to risk her life and her future for Israel whether she wants to or not. It's just not right. Especially during this time of year, when many of us are getting ready to celebrate a holiday about freedom- well, take a good long look at that photo. You're celebrating her.

Thanks for reading and send your letter here.

Comments

[baffy]

Thank you Ed Asner for highlighting this. This is not something we will read about in the New York Times just like we do not read of the brutality of the IDF (or should it be IOF?).
It seems to me that Israel and the Israelis have changed over the last 40 years. The occupation has turned them into harder, more brutal, inhuman people. The soldiers almost seem to enjoy humiliating the Palestinians and making their lives miserable day in and day out. They also do nothing to stop the crazy illegal settlers as they rampage against innocent Palestinians throughout the West Bank. These actions, with the obvious support of the Israeli government, are the reason that Hamas and Hezbolla exist, are popular and will continue their resistance.

[Yossik]

My name is Yoosi Khen and I was a combat soldier in the Israeli army in early seventies,
Part of my service was in the occupied West Bank, patrolling, searching and allot of ABUZE of Palestinians civilians, abuse which have nothing to do with Israel defense or Israel survival Just a work of an occupying army like any army that control other people.
In April 1973 I was called for reserve duty in city of Nablus or Shchem in Hebrew, our special assignment was to ‘break up’ demonstrations by high-school student ‘in all mean necessary’ as my commander put it, I personally refuse to go and I was sent to a military jail after 15 minutes of military trial.
I understand very well the message of Omer Goldman, she and her friends represent the best of Israel, and she deserve support of anybody in the US and specialy from Jewish community that support humen rights democracy.

[Sallymd]

This really broke my heart -- not because of her stance, because this is reverse propaganda. How many people blogging here have actually lived in Israel, understand what really goes on there. Israel will lay down it's weapons when the Arab community decides it has the right to exist and not want to murder innocent children. Why is it not okay for Israel's to protect themselves? These young kids live in Israel and it is safe to go to school BECAUSE their brothers and sisters serve in the army. Ridicuouls propaganda.

[SuperSam]

God bless her and those who stand against Aparth eid.

[amparo]

These young COs are an inspiration. We need their example as much as they need our support. Go to the site and let them know if they have touched you.

[arvay]

It's very encouraging to see that the Israeli youth are beginning to see the contrast between the IDF's heroic mythology and the fact that it's mainly an occupying force, having in the process taken on ll the brutality and contempt for the occupied that the role offers.

I'm sure Omer is being subjected to relentless pressure, being labeled a traitor, etc.

When one reads about the daily harassment, intimidation and brutality visited on the Palestinians, you think that someone in Israel would feel ashamed. Some do, but we don't hear about them much over here.

We should all salute and support Omer.

[vigilantwarrior]

Thank you, Mr. Asner, for your moral courage in continuing to speak for peace, truth and justice. And thank you for supporting these courageous young people.

http://michaelfury.wordpress.com/2008/08/18/movers-and-shakers/

[scooperss]

WOW. Looks like a whole generation may be learning something the oldsters never got.

You don't get peace by making war.

You don't stop war by starting wars.

[jtulip]

Don't leave out the important work of Peace Now, an organization that has been advocating for peace and social justice in Israel for many years. I'm a passionate Jew and a passionate supporter of Israel, but I also believe Israel won't survive if the Israeli right wing/religious right is allowed to dictate policy. Progressive American Jews need to stop being afraid to speak up, they can and will be heard, because Israel needs their support. Too bad if Bubbie thinks it's not good for the Jews: peace and justice are what's good for the Jews.

[FearlessFreep]

Is this the same Peace Now that rejected the Palestinian right of return?

[SuperSam]

Their right of return is guaranteed by international law, nobody not even the occupiers can dictate who has that right.

[EngineerBill]

Unlike America Israel's very existence is always threatened. The Israeli defense force (IDF) is just that. It doesn't have the luxury of going to Vietnam or Iraq. She would be what one calls a conscientious objector. They have their right to their opinion. Israel has a right to defend itself. Compulsory military service is a fact of life in many nations. It is not unique to Israel. By the way, did you know that the IDF had to fight Jews recently? Illegal settlers in Hebron were forcibly evicted by the IDF. that is part of what the IDF does.

[chaos4700]

Yeah, but where were the IDF when those illegal settlers were burning Palestinian farmland and waging other acts of ethnic cleansing? Self defense is no justification for apartheid oppression.

[zaz33]

Thank you Ed for bringing attention to the ones that put so much on the line for human rights.

To understand what's going on in Israel I suggest "Haaretz News" Especially the "talkback"

It's my first read every morning.

[EIPHNH]

Thank you Mr. Asner. What these young people are doing is so courageous and admirable that it puts us all adults to shame. It is indeed the time to change the culture of war to a culture of peace. Haven't we had enough bloodshed ....? Haven't we all killed enough...., haven't we all quenched our most ferocious, primitive instincts already...? What is it about humans that they cannot stop this primordial drive? Perhaps we should learn from these young people. It is time that the older generations are taught something vitally new, hopeful and life-enhancing by the young.
Thank you again. Please keep us informed.

[truthbrigade]

There are still people in this country with integrity, courage, and conscience. Thanks Ed.

[luzcannon]

You can't stop war with war.

Thank you Mr. Asner, and thanks to the Shministim - you have more support than you know.

[jhNY]

Very happy to be informed of her existence and courage and insight. Thanks!