It is absolutely proper to feel and verbally express rage at Hamas terrorists, given their brutal attacks on civilians, use of human shields, and long history of violence. Anger is a natural and justified reaction to acts of terror, especially those that target innocent people.
However, expressing this rage effectively is key. Simply venting without purpose can be counterproductive. Anger should be channeled in ways that lead to meaningful action – whether through advocacy, supporting victims, raising awareness, or influencing policy discussions. Blind rage can fuel further division and toxicity, whereas focused outrage can drive change and reinforce moral clarity.
Yitamu chato’im min ha’aretz! Expressing rage at Hamas terrorists is not only valid but also necessary for moral clarity – yet it should be done with purpose and control.
– Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet is a popular Lubavitch lecturer and rabbi of London’s Mill Hill Synagogue
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It is entirely appropriate to feel and express anger even rage toward Hamas terrorists, especially given the immense suffering they have caused. Jewish tradition does not shy away from acknowledging the importance of justice, and that includes expressing righteous indignation against acts of evil. The Torah itself, through the example of our forebears and the commandments, calls for the protection of innocent life and the pursuit of justice.
In Parshat Kedoshim (Leviticus 19:17), the Torah states, “You shall not hate your brother in your heart.” This emphasizes the importance of addressing wrongdoing but also encourages us to avoid harboring unconstructive hatred. However, expressing anger against those who commit acts of terror, like Hamas, can be a constructive form of justice when directed toward defending innocent lives and demanding accountability.
Furthermore, Tehillim is full of verses in which King David expresses raw emotion in the face of enemies who perpetuate violence. In Psalm 139:21-22, David declares, “Surely I hate those who hate You, O L-rd, and abhor those who rise up against You.” This illustrates that while Jews are called to compassion, they are also required to stand against those who threaten peace and security.
Therefore, expressing anger and rage toward Hamas is not only natural but also supported by Jewish teachings. The atrocities committed by Hamas warrant such indignation, and standing up against them is crucial.
– Rabbi Mordechai Weiss lives in Efrat, Israel, and previously served as an elementary and high school principal in New Jersey and Connecticut. He was also the founder and rav of Young Israel of Margate, N.J. His email is [email protected].
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Yes. (That’s my whole answer.)
– Rabbi Elli Fischer is a translator, writer, and historian. He edits Rav Eliezer Melamed’s Peninei Halakha in English, cofounded HaMapah, a project to quantify and map rabbinic literature, and is a founding editor of Lehrhaus. Follow him @adderabbi on Twitter or listen to his podcast, “Down the Rabbi Hole.”
