Q&A: Rebellion
Rebellion
Question
Good morning,
I’m one of those people who is deeply worried about the fate of this country, and I take part in the demonstrations.
I hear calls for rebellion and the like if the reform goes through, and on the face of it those calls are problematic, because any group can call for rebellion whenever something doesn’t work out for them.
On the other hand, there really is something deeply problematic and destructive here (in my opinion), on a scale greater than anything we’ve known in the country until now.
The question is how to relate to this situation.
Is it morally acceptable not to pay taxes / block roads / do more severe things in this situation (for example, David Henoch was arrested yesterday)?
Or is it morally unacceptable (because anyone can claim that the issue they’re protesting is a matter of life and death for them—see, for example, the Haredim), but there’s no choice?
Or once there’s no choice, does that basically mean it’s moral?
Answer
The question is not well defined, and really doesn’t exist. If it is important enough to you that you are willing to endanger the country over it, then do so. That is your own value judgment. For example, if in someone’s assessment the current situation will bring about the destruction of democracy, he can certainly take even more severe steps than those you describe here. Everything depends on what you expect to happen and on the risks involved in what you are doing.
Of course, anyone can claim anything. The question is whether it is true, not whether you are capable of moving your lips and making claims.