It’s hard to hear, but I take it as a sign that we’re going in the right direction; that consciousness IS changing.

Breaking the Silence (BTS) is an organization comprised of Israeli combat veterans. They served since the start of the second Intifada. They refuse any longer to stay silent.

Their testimonies expose “the reality of everyday life in the Occupied Territories.” Their purpose is to stimulate public debate. They revealed abuses too gruesome to hide.

They include “looting and destruction of property.” Many other crimes and abuses are much worse. In their own words, they reveal the deplorable immorality of Israel’s militarized occupation.

Most Israelis ignore it. They turn a blind eye to what’s done in their name. “In order to become civilians again, soldiers are (also) forced to ignore what they have seen and done.”

BTS members have been revealing disturbing truths for years. A previous article discussed them, saying:

“We, reserve officers and soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF)….have always served in the front lines” (We) were first to carry out any mission, light or heavy, (and we did it) to protect the State of Israel and strengthen it.”

“We….served….long weeks every year, in spite of dear cost to our personal lives, have been on reserve duty all over the Occupied Territories, and were issued commands and directives that had nothing to do with the security of our country (but were only given to perpetuate) our control over the Palestinian people.”

“We(‘ve)….seen the bloody toll this Occupation exacts from both sides.”

“The commands issued to us in the Territories (have) destroy(ed) all the values (we learned) growing up in this country.”

“The (way) the Occupation (undermines the) IDF’s human character and (exposes) the corruption of the entire Israeli society.”

“We….know that the Territories are not Israel, and that all settlements are bound to be evacuated in the end.”

“We hereby declare that we shall not continue to fight this War of the Settlements.”