Avichai Sharon is a former soldier in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) who has become a vocal critic of the Israeli military’s actions and policies, particularly in relation to the treatment of Palestinians. After completing his mandatory military service, Sharon founded an organization called “Breaking the Silence,” which collects and publishes testimonies from IDF veterans about their experiences in the occupied Palestinian territories. These testimonies often detail alleged human rights abuses, the use of excessive force, and the challenges faced by soldiers in maintaining the occupation. Here is part of an interview with him by Open Society Foundations.

“The feeling that I am coming in to protect my society, together with feeling that I am destroying another…”

Through his work with Breaking the Silence, Sharon aims to shed light on the realities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to spark public debate about the moral and strategic implications of Israel’s policies. His activism has been met with both praise and criticism within Israel, with many viewing him as a courageous whistleblower.

“The dangerous rules of engagement have also threatened our civilians…”

I'm ashamed to my core to see these images coming out of Hebron and have no doubt this is what the new Kahanist government will amplify.

There comes a time when silence is betrayal pic.twitter.com/GJdqafeFKK

— Avner Gvaryahu (@AGvaryahu) November 19, 2022

Israeli Policemen beat up a Palestinian resident of Shuafat refugee camp, covered his face, tied him up, punched him and seard a Star of David on his face. 16 police officers with 16 body cams- all malfunctioned. One Palestinian with a tattooed Star of David.

I feel sick pic.twitter.com/birBqorEtc

— Avner Gvaryahu (@AGvaryahu) August 18, 2023