Ronit Chacham, a native of Israel currently living in Jerusalem, is a widely published cultural critic who contributes regularly to news magazines in Israel. She is also the author of numerous works of fiction, including children's books, short stories, and plays.
"Military service is an integral part of life in Israel: both men and women serve in the Israel Defense Forces; devotion to the country's survival is a given. So disobeying an order is a remarkable action - one discussed in depth here by nine 'refuseniks,' Israeli soldiers who refused to serve in the Occupied Territories. They tell Chacham...about their upbringings, their crises of conscience, the mistreatment of Palestinians by themselves and others, their attempt to reconcile support for Palestinian rights with devotion to their homeland, their refusals to serve and the consequences. Anyone trying to understand why these men have taken the action they have will be moved by their thoughtfulness and articulateness." - Publishers Weekly; "This book should be read by those of all political views concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. These accounts and interviews will surprise, sadden, shock, infuriate, but most of all, stimulate open-minded readers to consider alternatives to their strongly held views. This is an ultimately hopeful book. I was profoundly moved by it." - David Gordis, President, Hebrew College; "Ronit Chacham's exemplary oral history and commentaries portray in depressing yet hopeful detail those courageous and principled Israelis who have refused to participate as soldiers in Israel's occupied Palestinian lands....An end to the bitter civil war may not be in sight, but at least we have these remarkable men to prove that war and killing never brings peace and that some are brave enough to say 'No.' " - The Jewish Peace Fellowship"
"Military service is an integral part of life in Israel: both men and women serve in the Israel Defense Forces; devotion to the country's survival is a given. So disobeying an order is a remarkable action - one discussed in depth here by nine 'refuseniks,' Israeli soldiers who refused to serve in the Occupied Territories. They tell Chacham...about their upbringings, their crises of conscience, the mistreatment of Palestinians by themselves and others, their attempt to reconcile support for Palestinian rights with devotion to their homeland, their refusals to serve and the consequences. Anyone trying to understand why these men have taken the action they have will be moved by their thoughtfulness and articulateness." - Publishers Weekly; "This book should be read by those of all political views concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. These accounts and interviews will surprise, sadden, shock, infuriate, but most of all, stimulate open-minded readers to consider alternatives to their strongly held views. This is an ultimately hopeful book. I was profoundly moved by it." - David Gordis, President, Hebrew College; "Ronit Chacham's exemplary oral history and commentaries portray in depressing yet hopeful detail those courageous and principled Israelis who have refused to participate as soldiers in Israel's occupied Palestinian lands....An end to the bitter civil war may not be in sight, but at least we have these remarkable men to prove that war and killing never brings peace and that some are brave enough to say 'No.' " - The Jewish Peace Fellowship"
Why would an Israeli soldier refuse to serve Israel in the occupied territories or, more incredibly, instead protect Palestinians? By considering this question, Chacham, an Israeli cultural critic living in Jerusalem, offers a new perspective on some entrenched ideas about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and about Zionism. Asking whether Israel, too, bears responsibility for the escalating violence, Chacham documents the testimonies of nine courageous Israeli soldiers, members of a movement called Ometz le Sarev (Courage To Refuse), or the refuseniks, as they are commonly known today. The soldiers speak out on how Israel consistently defies the Geneva Conventions on occupation, how Sharon's politics fuel Palestinian fire, and how basic human rights are violated daily. His interviews explore the social and political settings within which they operate and discuss reactions to their activist work. Though controversial, this book is essential for a well-rounded understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Zionism. Strongly recommended for academic or public libraries.-Ethan P. Pullman, Univ. of Pittsburgh Lib. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
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