PLEASE HELP GET THE STORY OUT-- to protect this brave kid, and also
further press for peace & impeachment. This young soldier has put
himself in a world of danger.
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From: Iraq Veterans Against the War
Reply-To: Iraq Veterans Against the War
Subject: Soldier in Iraq Resists the Occupation
Date: Wed, 20 Jun 2007 07:18:58 -0700 (PDT)
Yesterday, June 19, 26-year-old SPC Eli Israel put himself at great personal risk by making the courageous decision to refuse further participation in the U.S. occupation of Iraq. Eli told his commanding officer and sergeants that he will no longer be a combatant in this illegal, unjustified war. Eli believes that the U.S. government used the attacks of September 11, 2001 as a pretense to invade Iraq, and that "we are now violating the people of this country (Iraq) in ways that we would never accept on our own soil." Eli is stationed at Camp Victory in Baghdad with JVB Bravo Company, 1-149 Infantry of the Kentucky Army National Guard. This soldier's decision to refuse orders puts him at great risk, especially because he is in Iraq, isolated from legal assistance and other support. The following is a message that Eli sent yesterday to a friend back home:
Eli is taking an incredible risk by refusing orders in Iraq and will
most likely be court martialed. Please help him by contacting his
senator, requesting that he take any steps necessary to support and
protect this soldier, and ensure that the Army respects his rights and
does not illegally retaliate against him.
>Senator Mitch McConnell:
>