8th November 2024

HOLY LAND: UNHOLY WAR

Whilst events in Israel, the West Bank, Gaza and southern Lebanon constantly hit the headlines, we learn little of how leading rabbis are guiding their people in these difficult times. May be this is because in a 2015 Gallup Poll 65% of Israelis described themselves as non-religious or atheist, suggesting that Jewish-ness today is defined by blood rather than belief. On the other hand it is stated that members of the Knesset drawn from ultra-orthodox political parties keep the present regime in power, so religion surely remains important.

How to treat foreigners settled in your land in Old Testament scripture seems quite clear. For example, the Law sates, ‘When an alien resides with you in your land, you must not oppress him. He is to be treated as a native-born among you. Love him as yourself because you were aliens in Egypt’ [Deuteronomy 19, 33-4].  And the Prophets: ‘Cease to oppress the alien, the fatherless and the widow, if you shed no innocent blood in this place and do not run after other gods to your own ruin, then I shall let you live in this place, in the land which long ago I gave to your forefathers for all time’ [Jeremiah 7, 6-7].

That seems pretty clear – Israel’s land rights are affirmed, but this is coupled with the requirement to respect the foreigner and his property and the prohibition of killing innocent citizens.

Hamas’ violent actions in October 2023, and the ongoing attacks of Hezbollah on the northern borders of Israel, coupled with Iranian support, were and are, clearly an intrusion on Israel’s right to peaceful existence, but do they cancel out the need to heed the teaching of Jewish scriptures, not allowing even for diplomatic endeavours to secure a ceasefire? Does war eliminate all moral considerations or does it heighten them? And whilst alarmed at the way other countries treat aliens/refugees are we sure that we are without blame?

John Briggs