Divine Obedience in Israel
For the past ten days, Israel has been involved in what it calls "defense" operations in Lebanon. Reports from within Lebanon tell a different story: Israel has been committing atrocities and war crimes against the people of Lebanon: bombing roads, bridges, hospitals, power plants, fuel depots, grain silos, and other civilian targets. Over 300 Lebanese civilians have been killed, and the United Nations estimates that nearly one quarter of the Lebanese people have been forced to flee their homes.
One Israeli soldier is refusing to participate.
In an act of "Divine Obedience", that is, obeying the "Higher Law" of God, Reserve Staff Sergeant Itzik Shabbat has refused orders to report for duty in the West Bank in order for free up regular forces for Israel's actions against Lebanon.
According to Sgt. Shabbat, "I know people will attack me and ask how could I not take part in this war when Qassams are falling on my hometown and Katyushas on the towns in the north. In my opinion, only this type of opposition that I've chosen will put an end to the madness that is going on now and will shatter the false feeling that the entire home front supports this unnecessary war that is based on deceptive considerations. Someone has to be the first to break the silence and it will be me."
Israel has the right to defend itself, but its actions of the last ten days go far beyond what could reasonably considered to be "defense." By refusing to participate in these atrocities, Sergeant Shabbat has taken a moral stance against the immoral actions of his government and stands as a courageous example for others to follow.
"Never do anything against conscience even if the state demands it." - Albert Einstein
One Israeli soldier is refusing to participate.
In an act of "Divine Obedience", that is, obeying the "Higher Law" of God, Reserve Staff Sergeant Itzik Shabbat has refused orders to report for duty in the West Bank in order for free up regular forces for Israel's actions against Lebanon.
According to Sgt. Shabbat, "I know people will attack me and ask how could I not take part in this war when Qassams are falling on my hometown and Katyushas on the towns in the north. In my opinion, only this type of opposition that I've chosen will put an end to the madness that is going on now and will shatter the false feeling that the entire home front supports this unnecessary war that is based on deceptive considerations. Someone has to be the first to break the silence and it will be me."
Israel has the right to defend itself, but its actions of the last ten days go far beyond what could reasonably considered to be "defense." By refusing to participate in these atrocities, Sergeant Shabbat has taken a moral stance against the immoral actions of his government and stands as a courageous example for others to follow.
"Never do anything against conscience even if the state demands it." - Albert Einstein
posted by Jim Allyn at 7/21/2006 12:41:00 AM
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