Q&A: Justification for Living in the Land
Justification for Living in the Land
Question
I'm interested in hearing what the Rabbi thinks about military service, and about living in the Land, and why not Australia (see, for example, Moshe Kroy).
Answer
That would require a much longer discussion. But some of the things here are not clear to me. What does it mean to ask what I think about living in the Land? It's what I want, like any citizen in any country whatsoever. Why does that need justification? Whoever wants can live in Australia, and good health to him. I want to be here. As a religious person, there is of course also the commandment of settling the Land. That's another point.
So too regarding military service. Do we have a choice? Unfortunately, it's impossible to live here without an army. And again, I don't need commandment-based justifications, obligatory war, and other slogans that I don't believe in. I want to live here, and if I am threatened, it is my right and my duty to defend myself.