How can we calculate the value of captive lives over and against the survival of the collectivity?
As we all know, in 13th century Germany, the Maharal, Reb Meir of Rothenberg, known as the “Gadol Hador,” the leading rabbinic authority in Europe of his generation, was captured by King Rudolph, because he’d advised the Jews to flee the region rather than pay an overly grievous tax to Rudolph. Reb Meir’s community raised the equivalent of five and a half million dollars to rescue him. He objected to their paying this ransom. Reb Meir believed that it would only encourage more kidnappings. He died in jail in 1293.
I am not suggesting that the Maharal’s decision applies to Israeli captives now. In that instance, the captive was the one who made the decision; those being held in Hamas’s tunnels have no say. But it is something to think about. As is what it is bound to mean if Israel is forced to give up the critical Philadelphia corridor.
Am I even obliged to speak out at this time? Or, must I humbly, cautiously, remain silent? However, the deal between Israel, the United States, and Iran/Hamas, is far too important; I am obliged to say something, however minor it may be.
Who am I to speak?
None of the Israeli hostages are close family members, I do not live in Israel, I do not serve in the IDF, my children and grandchildren are not in battle and have not been wounded or killed, I myself am not on site volunteering.
Ah, but all the hostages kidnapped from Israel, all the wounded, every traumatized soul, all those who’ve been tortured and murdered, and all those still fighting ARE my family; each and every one is very dear to me. They are my people. Jews, Arabs, Druse, Muslims, Christians–we are now all part of Israeli history, figure largely in our covenantal future and in terms of the survival of the West.
What am I obligated to do? Speak out for them and for their close relatives? Personally rescue them? Fund those who are risking their lives in order to rescue them?
Yes, I do send money. Yes, I do write fact-based articles of opinion which require all my time. Does this give me standing? Can I “vote” on the impending hostage deal?
No. That would be impossible. Can I think about it all the time? Yes, that I can do. May I speak out about 10/7 and its aftermath? Yes, that I’ve been doing every single day since then.
Is the deal acceptable if President Trump will actually join Israel in militarily bringing down Iran, the largest state purveyor of terrorism in the world, especially against Israel and the United States? Is that the carrot even as the deal’s forced return of Hamas terrorists is the stick?
Even as I write this, a deal of some sort is being announced. I tremble. The wilder part of me thinks that Israel should only return terrorist corpses and finally institute a death penalty for terrorists with blood on their hands. Remember: Yahya Sinwar had blood on his hands, was treated royally in Israeli jails, was returned to Gaza in a deal for Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit–and Sinwar then went on to plan 10/7.
Just sayin.’
The more measured and compassionate part of me will rejoice with the return of the Israeli hostages, even if they are only released three at a time.
What do you all think?
