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REGISTER for an opportunity to hear from Atalya Ben-Abba, an Israeli conscientious objector and activist, reflecting on her journey, this moment of escalated crisis and her hopes for a peaceful and just future.
In 2017, Atalya Ben-Abba refused mandatory service in the Israeli military as a 19-year-old conscientious objector. Atalya will share her personal journey towards deciding to become a conscientious objector and then join educator T Wise in conversation about the biggest challenges to the peace movement and what role we can play in pursuing a path to peace, justice, and reconciliation
These are timely themes as we reflect, repair, and renew in these sacred weeks before the new year.
The program will conclude with a moderated Q&A, and opportunities to connect for further learning and action. Please consider watching her film OBJECTOR before Sept 15.
Light refreshments from Ithaca Bakery will be provided.
The program is free but donations are appreciated.
About Atalya Ben-Abbá:
Atalya is a passionate advocate for conscience and justice within Israeli society. Coming from a family of military professionals, she was obligated to serve as a soldier like most Israeli youth, but her deep love for her homeland and her commitment to peacebuilding led her to question military practices and ultimately refuse military service. Her stance made her a target of imprisonment, but also a voice for those supporting non-military solutions to conflict.
Atalya’s life and activism are depicted in the award-winning documentary Objector, which explores her courageous decision to challenge her country’s military draft, her subsequent imprisonment, and her ongoing work to reconcile her Jewish identity with her dedication to Palestinian human rights and the pursuit of peace. Today, Atalya serves as the Media Coordinator for the Refuser Solidarity Network, which provides crucial support to Israel’s military refusers in the toughest of political circumstances. Her story exemplifies the courage it takes to stand for a different future—a future rooted in empathy, justice, and peaceful coexistence. She offers a powerful perspective from inside Israeli society, emphasizing the importance of diverse voices and the urgent need for a collective movement towards reconciliation.
About the Organizer and Facilitator, T Wise: T Wise is a New York-based Jewish educator and a co-founder of Jewish Educators for Justice. T's work spans from teaching and supporting synagogue leadership to creating intergenerational Tikkun Olamcurricula and performing multimedia one-man shows as well as trans rights advocacy. Inspired by his parents—a Conservative rabbi and a Jewish educator/artist—T is committed to nurturing a Jewish love that is inseparable from a commitment to justice and peace.
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