Refusing to serve in the Israeli military

Applied Global Ethics student, Mia Tamarin, recently delivered a seminar where she told her personal story of refusing compulsory conscription into the Israeli army and her consequent imprisonment.

Presented to an audience of students and staff, Mia illustrated how the concerns about the occupation of Palestine has generated resistance amongst young people in Israel and how this led to the establishment of the Shministim Letter - a political movement of senior high school Israeli students who refuse to serve in the country's military.

After joining the Shministim Letter, which aims to raise awareness in order to bring an end to the occupation, Mia was refused conscientious objector status and consequently served three jail sentences in 2008 when she was 19 years old.

People who join the Shminstim movement and refuse to serve in the military can face social stigmatism and alienation: "It's difficult for people to voice their objections to the conflict as serving in the military is such a big part of Israeli culture. You are often asked, 'What did you do in the army?' If you have to explain you were a conscientious objector because of your beliefs you can face being socially ostracised."

Mia, who is now 20 years old came to the UK to study BA (Hons) Peace Studies & International Relations, which she states will help her learn more about the issues surrounding conflict and how to approach resolutions. Mia concludes: "It is so important to speak out for what you believe in and to learn more about how you, as an individual, can challenge global injustice and make your voice heard."