To Leak or Not to Leak?

The release of confidential American diplomatic cables by the Wikileaks organization (and the subsequent (unrelated) arrest of its founder), has brought much controversy to the fore. Debating the values of open government versus national security, many have weighed in on whether Wikileaks should be free to disseminate government papers. Some have argued for the indictment of Mr. Assange while others have advocated the freedom of the press.

Aside from national security interests, there is another great interest that the United States government has in preventing what has come to be known as CableGate, and that is simply embarrassment. The leaked cables have shed light on some compromising positions and offensive rhetoric within the U.S. diplomatic community. As a result, relations and diplomatic efforts between the United States and other governments may be somewhat awkward, if not strained.

That may be precisely the goal of Wikileaks, or it may simply be collateral damage. In either case, it provides another angle on the effects of tell-all revelations.

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In this week’s parsha of Vayigash we discover a long-held secret finally revealed. The viceroy of Egypt is none other than Joseph, the son of Jacob. Once Joseph divulges his true identity to his brothers (who had previously sold him into slavery), he entreats them to immediately bring their father down to Egypt. The urgency is palpable in his words, “Hasten and go up to my father, and say to him, 'So said your son, Joseph: "God has made me a lord over all the Egyptians. Come down to me, do not tarry” (Bereishit/Genesis 45:9).

The obvious question raised by many commentaries is: If Joseph was viceroy of Egypt, why didn’t he send word to his father much earlier? It is clear from his statements that he really missed his father and was very concerned about him. Why wait all these years?

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Joseph undoubtedly realized that his “disappearance” had caused his father much agony. And he also must have understood that it was a heavy burden that his brothers carried continuously.

If Joseph simply informed his father of his existence and whereabouts, it would likely produce a great deal of embarrassment to his brothers, perhaps causing a rift between father and sons. Even if he simply let the information “leak out” he would cause them profound shame. Joseph took into account not only his own feelings, but also the feelings of others. He did not seek to gratify only himself and his father (who had assumed he was dead and had hopefully moved on), but – more importantly – to prevent emotional harm to others.

Only after his brothers clearly repented for their misdeed – demonstrated in their dialogue, and more emphatically in their actions of standing by Benjamin – did Joseph realize that the time had come to disclose his identity. After they had made amends, the revelation would no longer cause such great shame. It would not be a cloud over their heads, for they were no longer the sinners associated with such a crime.

Now, indeed, Joseph exclaims the urgency of reuniting with their father.

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Analyzing and determining the right course of action in the Wikileaks case may be above my pay grade, but I certainly can learn from Joseph that protecting the integrity of others (even those that harm me) trumps my personal desires.