Martin Barzilai

 Photographer
© Martin Barzilai

From Refuzniks

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Gal, 19: “When I was 13 I remember seeing on the television about the refuseniks who were going to prison for not joining the army. I found them repugnant. The suicide attacks of 2002 to 2003 had an impact on me. Afterwards I read about Palestinian history and I realised the extent of my ignorance. In the end, and above all because of my family, I decided to get myself declared unfit for service on the grounds of psychological problems. I think the most difficult thing for my father is when people ask him about what I'm doing now. If I were a 'normal' boy I'd be in the army.” Haifa, 2009.