Why We Refuse: Israeli Women Speak Out!

CODEPINK and Jewish Voice for Peace are supporting the US tour of two extraordinary young Israeli women, Maya Wind and Netta Mishly, to discuss why they refused to serve in an occupying army. This was not a decision they came to lightly as they knew they would pay a price - military prison. Maya and Netta share a few words about their story and US tour here: We're writing from Tucson, Arizona, after an incredible first week on tour in the US. So far, we have been welcomed very warmly by all of our hosts in the cities we visited, from the San Francisco Bay Area to Seattle to Honolulu, Hawaii! Given the reactions to our politics in Israel, we came prepared for a strong opposition to our events. We were happy that the disagreements that have arisen in our talks have been civil and respectful-- there is an openness to listening that is refreshing, even in a Jewish synagogue and on a campus that usually have a lot of tension around this issue! We hope that our talks will stimulate discussion regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the role the US plays in it. As we remind audiences we speak with, "Your tax dollars are fueling our occupation!" The debates at our events are giving us new perspectives which will enrich our discourse back home. We hope to meet you on the tour soon! In solidarity, Maya and Netta There are many ways you can support Maya and Netta as they continue to speak out for peace and justice: the Shministim might be coming to your area; visit the tour calendar! view photos from the tour read the great press coverage they have received donate to help cover the costs of the tour and ensure that their voices continue to be heard Their tour couldn't be happening at a better time to inspire us to action. The recently released Goldstone Report, based on a UN fact-finding mission on the Gaza conflict, found evidence of grave "violations of international human rights and humanitarian law and possible war crimes and crimes against humanity" committed by Israel, Hamas, and the Palestinian Authority and recommends that the findings be reviewed by the UN Security Council, with measures taken to ensure accountability. You can speak up for human rights in the Middle East by signing our petition to UN Ambassador Susan Rice demanding that the US endorse and support these recommendations. There is already a lot of opposition to the findings of this report; we need to ensure that it won't be swept under the rug. You can also help us end illegal occupation by being part of our historic Gaza Freedom March on January 1, 2010, either with us in Gaza or from home. We are delighted that Maya and Netta plan to join our non-violent action from the Israel side of the Erez checkpoint. To find out more please visit www.gazafreedommarch.org If two young women working for peace can make such a big impact on the world, think of the impact of all us working together to demand peace, justice and human rights in Israel and Gaza. Thank you for being part of the solution. Dana, Farida, Gael, Gayle, Janet, Jodie, Medea, Nancy, Paris, Rae, Tracy and Whitney PS Brava to everyone who took action contacting the press during our Afghan media blitz! You forced the media--and our lawmakers--to listen to why we need to change our misguided direction in Afghanistan. You can check out some of our media appearances here.	Sign our petition to UN Ambassador Susan Rice to demand that the US endorse and support the recommendations of the "Goldstone Report." Join the Gaza Freedom March, January 1, 2010 Donate to support the Israeli women's tour

Occupation magazine - Activism

PSP Supports Kobi Snitz, an Israeli Activist Beginning Short Prison Term for Anti-Occupation Activity

Palestine Solidarity Project http://palestinesolidarityproject.org/2009/09/21/psp-supports-kobi-snitz-an-israeli-activist-beginning-short-prison-term-for-anti-occupation-activity/

Kobi Snitz, a long-time activist with the Israeli group Anarchists Against the Wall, and a personal friend of PSP, begins a 20 day prison term for an arrest in 2004 in which he tried to prevent a home demolition in the Palestinian village of Kharbatha, in the Ramallah District. He is the first Israeli activist to serve time for a demonstration in the Occupied Territories. His statement (from yesterday) is below: Tomorrow I will start a 20 day prison term. It is a result of an attempt to prevent a house demolition in kharbatha. As you probably know 20 days is nothing compared to the time many Palestinian teenagers have to do. Unlike them, I did not have to do this. I refused to pay a fine and was therefore sent to jail. throughout the long trial I had other opportunities to avoid prison but could not bring myself to admit guilt in any way or accept the sentence given me. I and the others who were arrested with me are guilty of nothing except not doing more to oppose the truly criminal policies of the state. To be forced to say otherwise is as demeaning as it is untrue. Compared to it 20 days in jail are a small price to pay. The legal team headed by Gaby has been excellent as always and thanks also to Nir and Alon from Bimkom who supplied information about planning policies and regulations.