Shabbat Greetings
Hamas is widely recognized as a terrorist organization by various countries and international bodies. It is known for its militant activities and has been involved in conflicts with Israel, including situations where hostages are taken, as they did on October 7, 2023. It has now been eleven excruciating months that many families still await news of their loved ones who are still held captive, and sadly we are aware that many of the hostages are no longer living.
In the context of this week’s Torah portion, Ki Teitzei (Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19), which addresses the humane treatment of captives, the principles outlined in the Torah emphasize the importance of dignity and ethical treatment, even in wartime. These principles could offer a moral framework for discussions on how to handle situations involving hostages, including those held by Hamas. They stress that captives should be treated with respect and given humane conditions, reflecting a broader ethical stance that can guide responses and negotiations involving hostages. As we now know from the survivors, Hamas does not follow any of these principles.
In Islam, the treatment of prisoners of war is addressed in several verses of the Quran and Hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad). For example, the Quran states: Surah An-Nisa (4:92): “It is not for a believer to kill a believer except by mistake. And whoever kills a believer by mistake – [the penalty is] the freeing of a believing slave and a compensation payment presented to the deceased’s family, unless they give up their right as charity.” and in Surah Al-Anfal (8:70): “O Prophet, say to whoever is in your hands of the captives: ‘If Allah knows any good in your hearts, He will give you something better than what has been taken from you, and He will forgive you. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.’”
These verses suggest that captives should be treated with kindness and that their conditions should be humane. The teachings of Islam advocate for the fair treatment of captives and stress ethical behavior even in times of conflict. It is clear that Hamas does not follow this in any way.
A few weeks ago, we all mourned the loss of the horrific execution of six hostages. But even as we pause and mourn those we have lost, we cannot rest. We must work through our grief and push forward for the sake of the 101 hostages who remain trapped in Gaza. We owe it to them and to our own children who, one day, will ask how we led in this moment and learn from our example.
The path is clear but the journey will not be easy. As suggested by many, first, we must continue to call on all parties — Qatar, Egypt, the US, Israel and the international community — to do all they can to ensure Hamas ends this horrific conflict and releases the remaining 101 hostages immediately. There will be painful choices ahead. But they need to be made. Bring them home now. Second, we must demand that the US government and that the entire world community hold Hamas accountable for its grotesque, unprovoked attack on Israel; for the seizure and torture of 250 people including Israelis, Americans and others; for the devastating consequences that the war has wrought on the Jewish state; and for the catastrophic damage done to the people of Gaza. Hamas is a vicious organization that openly calls for genocide and acts on these evil plans. They have violated the most basic norms of our society. Like al Qaeda, ISIS and other terror organizations, it must be eradicated. Its patrons in Tehran who encourage their barbarism must be stopped. It will not be simple. Far from it. But there is no alternative.
Finally, we must make it 100% clear that we will never tolerate Jews — in Israel, America or anywhere else on Earth — being marginalized, threatened or violated just because of who we are. Marching and masking with the intent to harass and intimidate isn’t freedom of assembly. Inciting violence isn’t freedom of speech. These are criminal acts, and we will demand that the culprits who commit them are held accountable. Whether on college campuses, in private spaces or in public places, it is long overdue for leaders at all levels to lead and to deter such shameful behavior with clear and consistent consequences.
Again, these are difficult days. I share the anguish and heartbreak that so many of you feel. But, above all, as Jon Polin said at Hersh’s funeral, citing Israel’s national anthem, we must remember that Od Lo Avda Tikvateinu— our hope is not lost. May we soon find peace for all.
SHABBAT SHALOM