As Yogi Berra would say, “It’s déjà vu all over again.”
Terrorists attack Israel. Israel wants peace. Israel is forced to defend itself. The terrorists exploit their own people in their endeavor to harm Israel’s.
The other aspect of this film that we have sort of seen already is the public condemnation of Israel. Sadly, the world doesn’t expect any better from Hamas. So instead of comparing Israel to Hamas, Israel is compared to a make-believe ideal. Israel’s adversaries simply pretend Israel is waging a conventional war against a conventional enemy, and is therefore responsible for the tragic civilian deaths.
In fact, the Israel Defense Forces’ greatest impediment in this defensive operation, is its moral conscience. Israel actually cares more about the lives of civilians in Gaza than does Hamas.
So should Israel scale back its operation to prevent potential civilian loss of life?
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One of the questions that I’m often asked regarding the Jewish approach to warfare presents itself (again) in this week’s parsha, Matot. G-d instructs Moshe and the Jewish people to wage war against Midian. In fact, it is Moshe’s final act before he passes away.
How could a peace-loving Creator insist on warfare? Is it possible or even feasible that the Almighty would allow – indeed insist on – the killing of his own creatures?
In good Jewish style, I’ll answer a question with a question.
Why would G-d need to instruct the Jews to attack their enemies? Shouldn’t the Jewish people instinctively return fire on those that attack them?
Rather, it is due to the Torah’s peace-loving ways that Hashem must, at times, remind us that warfare is indeed necessary.
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The Jewish approach to foreign relations is not simply guns and mortars. We are first and foremost a peace loving people. We give life infinite value. And it’s precisely because of these deep commitments to peace, loving-kindness and human life that we find warfare so unnatural. Frankly, we’d rather be focused on Torah study and good deeds than taking a victory lap over our opponents.
That’s why the Torah demands that, when not strategically detrimental, we notify an enemy before attacking – allowing them the opportunity to surrender peacefully. And we are generally obligated to afford our foes an escape route.
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The Torah is emphasizing that our hearts never want war. We are reluctant warriors. But, at the same time, when combat is necessary, it is a sacred – even Divine – duty. G-d Himself urges us to go into war. This gives us the moral clarity to overcome what many refer to as the fog of war. Indeed, we are human and we may err from time to time. But if we approach war reluctantly, yet with clear moral conviction, it is a sacred task.
Or, to quote Yogi Berra again, “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.” Both peace and war, in the proper context, are hallowed duties.
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In our own lives we also need to navigate between avoiding confrontation and standing strong when required. It may be a testy neighbor or a recalcitrant child.
On a deeper level, we face this struggle every day. It’s not particularly wise to seek out confrontation with our internal enemy, the evil inclination. As we say in our morning prayers, “Do not bring me to temptation.” But when our own terrorist inside threatens with fire and spiritual suicide missions, we must be armed to the tooth to respond forcefully.
When our physical foes see that we are loath to wage war, but march forward with absolute conviction and force when necessary - they will back off, avoiding more bloodshed in the future. A similar, preventive campaign must be pursued against the enemy within.
And our best ammunition in the spiritual battle is simply to add light. By increasing in holiness, we neutralize the animal inside and minimize future attacks.
Let us add light with more mitzvot. It’s the least we can do from so many miles away. And it’s also the most we can do – if we are not physically present – to bolster our people and our land.
May Almighty G-d continue to protect and safeguard the Children of Israel, particularly in His sacred land.