Q&A: Interpersonal Ethics Regarding Politicians
Interpersonal Ethics Regarding Politicians
Question
Hello Rabbi.
As is common in the political game, public figures are constantly exposed to mockery, contempt, jokes, and barbs. I too, like other citizens, enjoy making fun of politicians. In my view, a person entering the political game needs to take that into account. Even so, are there moral / halakhic rules regarding hurting a politician? To what extent is it permitted to humiliate them?
Thank you.
Answer
Some have tried to formulate such ethical rules. I seem to recall seeing an article once by Rabbi Sherlo regarding defamation and malicious speech about politicians (I now found a link here: https://www.kipa.co.il/%D7%A9%D7%90%D7%9C-%D7%90%D7%AA-%D7%94%D7%A8%D7%91/%D7%9C%D7%A9%D7%95%D7%9F-%D7%94%D7%A8%D7%A2-%D7%A2%D7%9C-%D7%A4%D7%95%D7%9C%D7%99%D7%98%D7%99%D7%A7%D7%90%D7%99%D7%9D-%D7%95%D7%90%D7%A0%D7%A9%D7%99-%D7%A6%D7%99%D7%91%D7%95%D7%A8/).
I think the basic principle is that whatever is necessary for the political discussion is permitted, both because it serves a constructive purpose, and because the matters are known to everyone, and also because the politician accepted this upon himself when entering the game.
Beyond that, if someone is not “one who acts as your fellow,” then the commandments between one person and another do not apply to him. Who is included in that category? In my opinion, not every offender. An ordinary secular person is like a child taken captive. Only if there is someone who, in your view, is wicked intentionally. Therefore, as a rule of thumb, in my opinion religious offenders are less “those who act as your fellow” than secular people.