AN ISRAELI woman who has refused to serve in her country’s military will call for solidarity with conscientious objectors in London today.

Marking International Conscientious Objectors’ Day, the woman, known as Or, will speak at a rally before the memorial to objectors in Tavistock Square.

She said: “Supporting conscientious objectors for me is to fight against militarisation around the world.

“To remember the young people making brave choices, saying: ‘No, I am not going to kill or get killed — I choose peace’.”

More Israelis have made that choice since the start of the war on Gaza, speaking out against the invasion and occupation of Palestinian land.

The first was 18-year old Tal Mitnick last October, who has since been followed by several others.

The Refuser Solidarity Network reports that hundreds have refused to serve in the genocidal assault on Gaza — both conscripts and reservists — risking jail and social ostracism. 

Or has herself served several prison sentences in Israel for her stand, a not untypical experience for conscientious objectors worldwide, despite objection being a recognised United Nations human right.

Or will speak at the rally alongside Semih Sapmaz from War Resisters International, which is supported by pacifist organisation Peace Pledge Union and a dozen other peace and human rights groups.

International Conscientious Objectors’ Day aims to build solidarity with and awareness of conscientious objectors.  Other events will be held in Edinburgh, Leicester, Liverpool, Manchester and Wokingham, as well as at the National Memorial Arboretum.