Q&A: The Fighting in Syria
The Fighting in Syria
Question
In the Rabbi’s opinion, should the State of Israel actively intervene in what is happening in Syria and bomb there? Or do we have enough troubles of our own, so that it makes no sense to get involved and draw ourselves into additional circles of conflict?
If not, then in order to be honest and consistent, should we refrain from being angry at the countries that did not bomb the extermination camps during the Holocaust?
Answer
I don’t think it is practical for us to intervene in the conflict at all, because the intervention would not help. If there is a local incident where something can be done to prevent a humanitarian disaster, then there is certainly room to consider it.
This is not comparable to World War II, because there intervention could have helped, and in any case a war was already being fought. Although now one can certainly better understand the limitations and constraints.
Discussion on Answer
This is not a matter of logic but of international agreements. In my opinion there is logic in setting some kind of limit even on means of warfare, but there is definitely room for debate.
Thank you, Rabbi.
What does the Rabbi think about the prohibition on using non-conventional weapons? In my opinion this is complete nonsense: if the attack is justified, then it should be carried out with any weapon, and if not, then conventional weapons shouldn’t be used either.