Fighting in Lebanon produces first conscientious objector

[laststeamtrain]

Fighting in Lebanon produces first conscientious objector

By Lily Galili, Haaretz Correspondent

The Lebanon 2006 war has produced its first conscientious objector - Staff Sergeant Itzik Shabbat, a 28-year-old TV producer. He refused to comply with an emergency order (Tsav 8) to report Tuesday for reserve duty in the territories in order to free forces in the standing army for the war in Lebanon.

Shabbat, a resident of Sderot, had not yet decided last night whether he would go to his reserve unit Wednesday and announce there that he was refusing to do reserve duty or whether he would not report at all and be considered absent.
"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," he told Haaretz. "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."

He added: "Someone has to be the first to break the silence and it will be me. It is a shame that my order was signed by another Sderot resident, Defense Minister Amir Peretz."
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http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=740241&contrassID=1&subContrassID=7

[cali]

1. That's inspiring.

Or at least let's hope it's inspiring.

[Redstone]

2. Well, good for him. I don't agree with him, but he's taking a stand

that, since it will bring him a lot of grief, he must really believe in.

Redstone

[mom cat]

3. God bless him for his courage.

[Poll_Blind]

4. Shabbat, L'chayim! This is a man of courage! n/t

PB

[Viva_La_Revolution]

5. Recommended. nt

[Spazito]

6. Wow, a man of courage!

Thanks for posting this.

[cantstandbush]

7. NOw you want to meet a REAL HERO, it's Itzik Shabbat.

Rachel Corrie, your spirit must be rejoicing. Peace be with you.

[AnOhioan]

8. An Israeli patriot...who is looking out for his country.

Unlike his own gov't.

[bemildred]

9. Resident of Sderot! nt