As of this morning, four days after the letter began to be circulated, some 250 students had signed it. One of the organizers, Malkiel (a fictitious name), said he expects the number to climb much higher after the English matriculation exams, which are being held today (Monday).
"We are a group called 12th Graders for Israel," Malkiel explained to Arutz-7's Ariel Kahane, "and we are trying to stop Olmert's convergence/withdrawal/expulsion plan. Our first act to this end is to disseminate this letter, which is now being circulated in 11th and 12th grades in many yeshiva high schools around the country, including Hispin in the Golan, Mitzpeh Ramon in the Negev, Kfar HaRoeh, Netiv Meir, and many others."
He emphasized that despite the army's role in the Disengagement last year, and its possible role in a similar future plan, the students plan to enlist: "The army is important to us, but we want Olmert to know that we will not take part in this unethical and illegal crime of removing families from their homes."
Malkiel said that unlike some others, "my opinion about the State and the army did not change as a result of what happened in Gush Katif last summer. I don't think that if the country undergoes a particular crisis, then the importance of the country or of serving in the army decreases."
Kahane challenged him, saying, "I understand that you and some others tried to submit the letter in person to Prime Minister Olmert, but that his staff stopped you. But if you were to meet with him, or with Chief of Staff Halutz, they would tell you that your refusal of orders is that which endangers the army. Would you still refuse these orders?"
"Yes," said Malkiel, "because I believe that the very idea that soldiers don't follow immoral orders, and that there is a healthy ethic in the army, that is what saves the IDF... In addition, there have been many cases and battles where refusal of orders is what saved the day. It doesn't mean that we shouldn't serve in the army; most of its resources and time are dedicated to important missions of protecting the country."
Letters from 12th graders have been a popular way of publicizing a point of view, especially regarding military matters, ever since 1970 when a group of high seniors protested to Prime Minister Golda Meir against the War of Attrition in Judea, Samaria and Gaza and Israel's continued presence in those areas.
"We are a group called 12th Graders for Israel," Malkiel explained to Arutz-7's Ariel Kahane, "and we are trying to stop Olmert's convergence/withdrawal/expulsion plan. Our first act to this end is to disseminate this letter, which is now being circulated in 11th and 12th grades in many yeshiva high schools around the country, including Hispin in the Golan, Mitzpeh Ramon in the Negev, Kfar HaRoeh, Netiv Meir, and many others."
He emphasized that despite the army's role in the Disengagement last year, and its possible role in a similar future plan, the students plan to enlist: "The army is important to us, but we want Olmert to know that we will not take part in this unethical and illegal crime of removing families from their homes."
Malkiel said that unlike some others, "my opinion about the State and the army did not change as a result of what happened in Gush Katif last summer. I don't think that if the country undergoes a particular crisis, then the importance of the country or of serving in the army decreases."
Kahane challenged him, saying, "I understand that you and some others tried to submit the letter in person to Prime Minister Olmert, but that his staff stopped you. But if you were to meet with him, or with Chief of Staff Halutz, they would tell you that your refusal of orders is that which endangers the army. Would you still refuse these orders?"
"Yes," said Malkiel, "because I believe that the very idea that soldiers don't follow immoral orders, and that there is a healthy ethic in the army, that is what saves the IDF... In addition, there have been many cases and battles where refusal of orders is what saved the day. It doesn't mean that we shouldn't serve in the army; most of its resources and time are dedicated to important missions of protecting the country."
Letters from 12th graders have been a popular way of publicizing a point of view, especially regarding military matters, ever since 1970 when a group of high seniors protested to Prime Minister Golda Meir against the War of Attrition in Judea, Samaria and Gaza and Israel's continued presence in those areas.