On March 20, 2025 I recorded the Winnipeg segment of the cross-country tour of Israeli refuseniks Tal Mitnick and Einat Gerlitz. The venue, Home Street Mennonite Church, was packed. The speakers were impressively articulate, poised and wise beyond their years.
In 2023, Tal Mitnick became the first conscientious objector to refuse military service after the October 7th attack by Hamas. After serving 185 days in military prison, Mitnick became a leader in the movement of young Israelis who are now refusing military service.
Einat Gerlitz was sentenced to 87 days in prison in 2022 for her refusal to join the Israeli army. An advocate for climate justice and LGBTQ+ rights, Gerlitz brings a feminist and queer perspective to her activism.
The pair were on a 12-city tour of Canada co-sponsored by Independent Jewish Voices Canada and the Mesarvot Network. Local sponsors in Winnipeg included the United Jewish People’s Order, Canadian Palestinian Association of Manitoba, Students for Justice in Palestine – University of Manitoba, Peace Alliance Winnipeg, MCM Palestine Israel Network, and the local chapter of Independent Jewish Voices.
