In the international debate the original motion regarding Middle East Peace, had been gutted before it reached the final agenda with affiliation to the Stop the War Coalition and the 'Palestine Solidarity Campaign' being ruled out of order. The spirit behind the latter was met though an amendment, which was subsequently carried which ensured that 'the union gives support to demonstrations and initiatives which promote Union's policy on Iraq and justice for the Palestinian people?
Conference noted the stand taken by 550 officers and soldiers of the Israeli Defence Force who refused to cooperate with the occupation, and sent them a message of support to them, as well as calling for the release of the 5 high school conscientious objectors who are in military prison for refusing to serve.
The debate included two contributions from Resistance supporters.
Stuart Richardson said, "The schools that Jewish and Palestinian children go to are totally different. Most jobs that are advertis say you must have completed national se ice. Only Jews need apply. "We cannot neutral In the face of a racist state," declared.
Israeli-born teacher Inbar Tamari, the o delegate to have served in the Israeli ar said that her brother-in-law had been jai for refusing to undertake military serv with the IDF. "For Israeli Jews," said Tamari, "armyservice is the norm. The c of refusal are really high, both socially materially. "
"Israel has nuclear, chemical and biolog weapons but won't admit it, yet no weap inspectors are sent there. I wonder v not?"
A state that while maintaining its statu the fourth military power in the world lea 1/3 of Israeli Jewish children living below breadline
Ms Tamari reminded conference w Marx said, "a people oppressing anot people cannot itself be free."