19-Year-Old Trans Woman Faces Imprisonment Amid Growing Wave of Israeli Conscientious Objectors

Haifa, Israel – Yona Roseman, a 19-year-old trans woman from Haifa, is set to face imprisonment for refusing mandatory military service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Her refusal, scheduled for August 17, 2025, aligns with a growing movement of conscientious objectors protesting Israel's actions in Gaza. Roseman is supported by the Mesarvot network, which aids youth and reservists in their decision to refuse enlistment.

Roseman articulated her stance in a refusal statement, asserting, "The State of Israel is committing genocide, and we must resist." She emphasized that recognizing the scale of destruction demands action from moral individuals, regardless of social or legal costs. This act of defiance places her among a rising number of young Israelis choosing imprisonment over military service amid the ongoing conflict.

The "refusenik" movement, as it's known, has seen an increase in activity, with Mesarvot legal advisor Noa Levy noting a "significant wave of refusal" due to government plans for prolonged war and renewed invasion. This trend indicates a broader popular opposition to the conflict and a diminishing trust in the military's missions. Conscientious objectors often face repeated short prison terms, typically 20-30 days, until they either comply or are deemed unsuitable for service.

The decision to refuse military service carries significant social implications in Israel, where conscription is widely seen as a gateway to full citizenship. However, the movement has also drawn criticism from some, as highlighted by a recent tweet from רייצ'ל, which expressed "full, unabashed love and solidarity to yona and to all who refuse to serve." The tweet also criticized "navel-gazing western leftists who moan about how all israelis are ontologically evil and look down upon refusniks," suggesting a nuanced perspective on international solidarity and internal dissent within Israel.

Yona Roseman's case follows others, such as Tal Mitnick and Ella Kedar-Greenberg, who have also faced imprisonment for their refusal. The Mesarvot network provides crucial support, including legal assistance and community, for these individuals navigating the challenging social and legal landscape of conscientious objection in Israel.