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Raised to Be Heroes
Description
They will fight for their country, they will die for their country, but not in
the West Bank and Gaza Strip. And although they act on conscience, they pay a
steep personal price. Featuring haunting accounts from the front lines, Raised
to Be Heroes introduces the latest generation of Israeli
soldiers to selectively object to military operations undertaken by their
country.
After years of executing missions against the Palestinians, often
involving violence and oppression, some soldiers now believe their country's
actions are inhumane. They're confronted with an excruciating dilemma: do they
obey orders and continue a cycle of aggression and revenge? Or do they refuse
to serve, risking vehement backlash and condemnation from family, friends and
society? Through a series of raw and emotional testimonies, a group of
Refuseniks lay bare the moment that they finally, and courageously, drew the
line.
Their gripping stories are intertwined with that of Matan Kaminer, one
of five high school seniors that together refused to enlist in the army
because they believe Israel's actions in the Territories are wrong. Awaiting
trial, Kaminer reflects on his controversial decision and the consequences he
faces.
There are more than 1,600 Refuseniks in Israel and this number is
growing. Many Israelis condemn them for failing their nation; however, they
stand by their conscience in the hopes of ending the occupation. 'The time I
spent in jail was the most important time I served for my country, for my
friends in my unit, for my family, for the security of Israel,' says Major
Chen Alon.
Capturing a moment in the ever-changing political landscape of the
region, Raised to Be Heroes uses the unforgettable
experiences of Refuseniks to inspire an essential dialogue about peace,
democracy and personal responsibility.
2006, 53 min 47 s
Awards
Bronze Plaque - Category: War & Peace
International Film and Video Festival
November 7 to 12 2006, Columbus - USA
Silver Audience Award
Amnesty International Film Festival
November 2 to 5 2006, Vancouver - Canada
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