Q&A: Fleeing Ukraine
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Fleeing Ukraine
Question
Is it morally right (perhaps even from the standpoint of Jewish law) for a Ukrainian Jew—who may even be assimilated and have almost no connection to the Jewish people—to flee Ukraine and leave the burden to others? Or is it right to help him get out of Ukraine (millions are being spent on this)?
Answer
I think that if Ukrainian law requires men to stay and fight, then there is an obligation to obey. As far as I know, the help in escaping is not for men but for women and children.
Discussion on Answer
In my opinion, no. If you are a citizen of a country, you are obligated to it. If you do not want that, then do not live there.
1. Can a Jew not argue that he does not want to risk his life for a people whose ancestors were anti-Semitic, and very possibly still are to this day?
2. Can a Jew who, on one level or another, is Jewish (religion, Zionism) and Israeli (culture, language) argue that he is not fully Ukrainian and does not feel connected to the Ukrainian people, such that he should risk his life for them?
3. Can he not argue that, from his point of view, they should surrender to Russia, so long as lives are not endangered?
By the way, I know the people involved in this, and the help is also for men.