Uploaded March 2025 | Updated September 2026, 8 hours ago
On March 20, 2025, Tal Mitnick and Einat Gerlitz spoke at the Home Street Mennonite Church in Winnipeg about why they refuse to join the Israeli military in its ongoing oppression of the Palestinian people.
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.
The church was packed and the evening opened with short speeches by some of the local organizers and the music of Mishoomis Assin – in English, the drum group known as Grandfather Stone.
Videography
Paul S. Graham
paulsgraham.ca
On March 20, 2025, Tal Mitnick and Einat Gerlitz spoke at the Home Street Mennonite Church in Winnipeg about why they refuse to join the Israeli military in its ongoing oppression of the Palestinian people.
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.
The church was packed and the evening opened with short speeches by some of the local organizers and the music of Mishoomis Assin – in English, the drum group known as Grandfather Stone.
Videography
Paul S. Graham
paulsgraham.ca
