Skip to main content

Op-Ed video: Why this 18-year old refuses to join the Israeli army

Sofia Orr explains why a growing number of politically aware Israeli teenagers refuse to accept the draft, and how they are concerned about what they might condone by joining the Israeli army

Eighteen-year-old Israeli army refusenik, Sofia Orr, is a member of the Mesarvot network, a group of conscientious objectors in Israel who are among a minority of Israelis refusing military service. 

On Sunday, she was sentenced to 20 days in prison. 

A growing number of politically aware Israeli teenagers refuse to accept the draft, concerned about what they might condone by joining the Israeli army.

Before her sentencing, she spoke to Middle East Eye about the motivations behind her decision in a country where refusing to serve is punishable by jail. 

The views expressed in this video belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Eye.

New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch

Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters

Middle East Eye delivers independent and unrivalled coverage and analysis of the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. To learn more about republishing this content and the associated fees, please fill out this form. More about MEE can be found here.