Uriel Ferrera, a 19-year-old ultra-Orthodox man from Beersheba who received a draft order, reported to the Tel Hashomer recruitment office this morning, where he announced that he refused to serve in the army for reasons of conscience. "I cannot take part in the anti-democratic activity of occupying Palestinian territories," he said.
Ferrera is expected to go to prison for refusing to serve.
Ferrera was accompanied by a group of secular teenage girls who signed the "Letter of Refusal." This was after a Facebook group was established to support his struggle. According to the group members, "A state that prevents equality between the people under its rule and that seriously harms its minorities has no democratic validity.".
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This is what Ferrera says in a video message: "My name is Uriel Ferrera, 19 years old from Beersheba. I received a draft date of April 27 of this year. I refuse to serve in the army for reasons of conscience. I cannot take part in the anti-democratic activity of the occupation of Palestinian territories by the army, in the inequality of civil rights between us and the Palestinians living under Israeli rule. In fact, any military service contributes to preserving the existing situation, and therefore, according to my conscience, I will not take part in this system.".
The 'reluctant' group wrote:
On Sunday, April 27, draft refuser Uriel Ferrera will refuse to enlist and go to prison. Come support him at the Tel Hashomer Recruitment Office, at 10:00 AM.
Shuttles depart at 8:30 AM sharp from Magen HaShaniam in Jaffa, and at 9:00 AM (exactly) from the Tel Aviv Central Railway Station (next to the Shlomo Sixt car dealership). Register as soon as possible by text message. Please include your full name and how many people are coming with you. If it is more convenient for you to depart from Jerusalem, write that in the message as well. If there are enough, we can also arrange shuttles from there. Please invite all your friends and family.".
