Q&A: Their honor still hasn’t come to this—certainly not at that price
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Their honor still hasn’t come to this—certainly not at that price
Question
For my work I travel on roads through cities and villages that the State of Israel holds only in trust, and the IDF secures until peace comes.
A local approaches me and offers me expensive perfumes for pennies—less than 10% of their price.
Most likely this is stolen merchandise from an Israeli chain; the standard price sticker is still displayed on the products.
Is it permitted from the standpoint of Jewish law and morality to buy them?
Perhaps there is owner’s despair, change of possession, and so on?
Answer
It is forbidden to deal in stolen merchandise, even after owner’s despair. If it is clear to you that it is stolen, do not buy it. Morally it is certainly forbidden, and in my opinion halakhically as well.