Photo credit: www.cbc.ca
Tal Mitnick, the first Israeli to face imprisonment for refusing mandatory military service after the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, is addressing an audience at Saint Paul University in Ottawa.
On December 26, 2023, Mitnick took a stand at an enlistment center in Tel Aviv, openly declaring his refusal to join the Israel Defence Forces (IDF).
“I had to decide: either to be part of a force that I believe is committing genocide against my neighbors and taking lives, or to stand against it,” he explained to CBC News.
For his refusal, he received consecutive sentences totalling 150 days, the maximum penalty for those who turn down military service under Israeli law.
Recently released from prison, where he spent time on medical grounds, the 19-year-old is currently on a speaking tour across Canada alongside fellow conscientious objector Einat Gerlitz, who also refused military service in 2022. Their road trip, organized by Independent Jewish Voices, a group advocating for peace and justice, includes stops in cities from Quebec to British Columbia throughout March.
The October 7 attacks by Hamas resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis, marking one of the most devastating days in Jewish history since the Holocaust. The fallout from the attacks initiated Israel’s aggressive military campaign in Gaza, which has seen over 48,500 Palestinian casualties, according to figures from local health authorities.
Mitnick attributes his political beliefs to his father, a journalist who reported on the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Many young Israelis share a growing sentiment that non-violent methods could pave the way for enduring peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.
A small yet increasing contingent of Israelis are now opting out of compulsory military service after their experiences in Gaza. While the public visibility of such refusals remains low due to expected repercussions, including prison time and societal backlash, the tide appears to be shifting.
“Being the first public refuser since October 7, I faced uncertainty regarding the military’s response,” Mitnick recounted. “I returned to enlistment multiple times, each time receiving the maximum sentence until it culminated in 185 days of imprisonment.”
IDF ‘Condemns Refusals’
In response to inquiries, the IDF asserted that mandatory recruitment is mandated by Israeli law and that it is resolute in enforcing this statute. The IDF’s statement further indicated their condemnation of acts of refusal.
Regarding Mitnick, the IDF commented that a professional committee concluded there were no legitimate conscientious grounds for his refusal, leading to the imposition of his prison sentence following his continuous rejection of military service.
Mattan Helman, executive director of the Refuser Solidarity Network, an organization that aids refuseniks and raises awareness of their stories, acknowledged the risks associated with public refusal. He emphasized the importance of advocacy to inform Israeli conscripts that refusal can be a viable option, particularly for those who oppose the violence in Gaza and seek negotiation for the return of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
“We liken the situation to an iceberg: those who refuse publicly are just the visible tip, while many others are refusing in less noticeable ways,” Helman told CBC News during a Zoom interview.
Although the RSN does not have specific figures, Helman asserted that thousands are refusing military duty, with notable increases since October 7, especially among reserve soldiers.
Surviving Jail
The day Mitnick declared his refusal was marked by social media coverage, capturing moments from a protest outside his enlistment location where supporters gathered to demonstrate alongside him.
“It was surreal to have such attention focused on me. I’m not accustomed to the spotlight,” he admitted, expressing some discomfort with the situation. However, he now views that day as a pivotal moment in his journey as an activist, one that connected him with many of his current supporters who have been instrumental in his post-prison life.
“I feel fortunate to have found this community of fellow activists who share my beliefs and support my decisions,” he stated.
Mitnick’s time in jail involved navigating a complex environment where his fellow prisoners were often unaware of his reasons for incarceration. He was cautious when discussing his political beliefs.
As some inmates began to recognize him due to media exposure, Mitnick downplayed his notoriety, distancing himself from being known as “that guy from the social media videos.”
A self-identified leftist, Mitnick has been influenced by his father’s work, which often highlighted the Palestinian narrative. “Politics was a constant topic at home,” he said. “It was clear to us that change was necessary.”
When contemplating his future, Mitnick took a reflective pause before articulating his hopes: “Inshallah,” he expressed, invoking the Arabic phrase meaning ‘God willing.’ “I envision a future where barriers crumble and everyone can coexist in peace and freedom.”
Source
www.cbc.ca