Israeli conscientious objector says she refuses to be part of ‘endless cycle of bloodshed’

Sofi Orr, who has refused to enlist in the Israeli army, tells Al Jazeera that she will not take part in what she describes as the Israeli army’s “violent policies of oppression and apartheid”.

“I choose to refuse because there is no military solution to a political problem, and now with the war that has become more apparent than ever,” she said from the town of Pardes Hanna.

Orr explained that she hoped to reach young Israelis, even though she described herself as being part of a minority.

“Israeli society is an extremely militaristic one, and refusing [to serve] is absolutely not an accepted thing, and I am called a traitor, a self-hating Jew,” Orr said. “I get wishes for me to be raped or killed. And since the war started it has gotten worse. There has been a shift to the right, and the right was already strong.”

She explained that left-wing activists, and especially Palestinian citizens of Israel, faced repression for their beliefs and positions.

Hopes to reach young Israelis in particular, because peace is the only option. ‘There are seven million Palestinians here and seven million Israeli Jews here, and no one is going anywhere.’

“I am worried, but it’s worth it, because if only one person hears my words, and it makes them think, then it’s worth it and I’m willing to endure the consequences of that,” Orr added.


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[karenbryant]

Thank you, Tal and Sofi, for taking the moral stand! The world needs leaders of your caliber.

[brlee]

Wow she is remarkable. Good for her….this will take her and her message farther than she can imagine right now. Those brave enough to take this step should become public speakers in the west and especially for Jews in the west.

[against_occupation]

Love you Sofi Orr and other objectors to reject the heinous acts. You simply dignified the humanity. We wish you all a life with full of dignity.

[Marius_vanderLubbe]

She is a decent person. We applaud her choice.

[imagesmore]

Thank-you for your principled and compassionate position Sofi. Good luck to you!

[simplecreature]

Bravo sister ! May you be guided and protective from all harms by oppressors!!! Love you for being a human being and feel for other humans.

[aazargar]

Brave young man and woman. Applaud their stand as a righteous Jew.

[ingridvorsatz]

Brave young lady, Sofi Orr. I hope your decision is being supported by your friends, parents and relatives. Israel and the world needs people like you.

[kudampulifeiwie]

If your own people aren't proud of you, I am! Don't let anyone tell you that you're wrong. You are one of those who stand up for human rights and not like the politicians who only pay lip service.

[SarahYounes-ilgk]

A very brave person. Deep respect for her values of humanity.

[grzegorzgreg]

Wow!!! What a inspirational young heros!!! Risking their future or even life!!! I'm impressed!👍

[charlottecolley]

HE IS INTELLIGENT; HE IS A GOOD AND BRAVE YOUNG MAN AND HE IS RIGHT! VIOLENCE WILL NEVER SOLVE VIOLENCE

[maqboolahmad]

God bless you both. You are a beacon of light and a role model for many in world. I know it is absolutely very hard to do what you did. I am so proud of you.

[aowen]

That is a brave young man and a brave young woman. God bless them.

[FilmSpook]

I stand with all my Brave Israelis who do not support geno cide. You have my love, respect and support. 💗💗💗

[BigD]

I don't know why their having a go at him for they should get Benjamin's son who's hiding in USA.🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[msms]

God’s blessings to this amazing human being 👌👌❤️🌻❤️🌻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[FilmSpook]

Many people are waking up and taking action. The whole world is seeing the TRUTH about the illegal occupation. There is no turning back. The world is now knowing what Palestinians have been going through for 75+ years. Blessings, Everyone.🧡..

[isozero]

She is wonderful and her ideals appreciated❤

[IgshaanBarnes-pkuo]

Im moslem, with lots of christian ancestry, South African and i have nothing but admiration and good wishes for these wonderful brave youngsters. God help, protect and guide them.