Omri is part of a new Israeli movement called Refuseniks. These are people who refuse to military service on political grounds. There is currently no exemption from military service on political grounds. You can be exempt if you are a pacifist, but you have to object to all warfare and not just Israel's own conflicts. Omri paid a high price for his beliefs and aged eighteen was imprisoned. After five days solitary confinement he was released and then re-draughted. Again he refused and was imprisoned. This process was repeated until eventually Omri was released on medical grounds.

Uri was initially refused entry into the army because of a medical condition with his eyes. For Uri military service in Israel is a rite of passage. Not only are you doing your duty for your country but you are also securing a better future for yourself. Job opportunities are more restrictive to those who have not done their military service. As well as complusory draughting, the Israeli Defence Force run a volunteering scheme. These recruits will not see combat. Uri having been accepted as a volunteer, had just finished his basic training.