RAISED TO BE HEROES

They are willing to fight for their country and even die for their country, everywhere but in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Through accounts from the Israeli front lines, Raised to Be Heroes introduces the latest generation of Israeli soldiers who object to some of the military operations undertaken by their country.

After years of carrying out missions against the Palestinians, some Israeli soldiers now believe their country's actions are inhumane. But in a country where military service is mandatory, these soldiers are confronted with a dilemma: obey orders and continue a cycle of aggression and revenge, or refuse to serve and risk backlash and condemnation from family, friends and society. Many of these "refusniks" have been sent to jail for their refusal to acquiesce.

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 principles in the hopes of ending Israel's military action in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Through a series of emotional testimonials, Raised to Be Heroes documents a group of "refuseniks" as they recount the moment when they finally drew the line.

Raised to Be Heroes is directed by Jack Silberman for the National Film Board of Canada.