I recently read an interview with the Israel ambassador to the United States. He said that there is one clear guideline to his approach in explaining Israel’s situation and actions: Self-defense. And the way to understand the obvious need for acting in self-defense, he related, was to ask, “What would America do?” It is obvious that if an American city was being hit with missiles — even one! — any measure needed to stop this would be taken, and steps would also be taken to ensure that this would not happen again.
In Judaism we look at the laws of the Torah and its guidelines before deciding what to do. Regarding self-defense our Sages teach, “One who rises up to kill you, act preemptively to kill him (Sanhedrin 72a).” We see here that it is a mitzvah to stop a murderer before he succeeds, even if it means taking his life.
In addition to saving one’s own life in this proactive way, it is also a mitzvah to save other lives – such as friends, neighbors and countrymen – as it is stated in the verse, “Do not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor” (Lev. 19:16). Our Talmudic Sages explain this verse as a mitzvah to save another person whose life is in danger (Sanhedrin 73a).
Although the right and obligation to defend one’s own safety and the safety of his family and others is clear, nevertheless, ideally the decision to enter into a military operation which, by its nature, has wide-ranging and unknown consequences, should be decided by the leaders of our Jewish nation – the top military and political echelon in consultation with the foremost rabbinical authorities.
People not directly involved in the military operation can also play a crucial role by increasing unity among our nation, prayer, charity and volunteering time or resources in support of the military effort by the Israel Defense Force.
We share in the mourning of the families of the fallen soldiers and pray for the speedy recovery of those who were injured and conclude with the traditional prayer said at times of danger and peril: “Our brothers, the entire family of Israel, who are delivered into distress and captivity, whether they are on sea or dry land – may God have mercy on them and remove them from stress to relief, from darkness to light, from subjugation to redemption now, speedily and soon.” Amen.