Q&A: Honoring Parents or Gaza
Honoring Parents or Gaza
Question
Hello Rabbi,
I wasn’t called up for reserve duty, and I volunteered. I’m trained as a medic, and right now I’m at a base relatively close to Gaza, but the number of cases we’re treating is low, thank God.
They offered me the option of going into Gaza as part of a medical unit, and my parents are strongly opposed. The chance of my being injured is lower than that of the combat soldiers.
I’m an only son with three sisters.
I’m extremely torn. On the one hand, I know I’d be meaningful there, would be putting my abilities to use, and would save lives; on the other hand, my mother isn’t a strong person, and if I were to fall, I don’t think she would survive it.
What does the Rabbi suggest? What does the Rabbi think?
Thank you very much!
Answer
In my opinion, this is true for every soldier, and therefore there is no obligation of honoring parents here. Of course, if this is only an offer and not an order, then you are not obligated.
Discussion on Answer
For two reasons: every parent of every soldier does not want him to die. The categorical imperative says that this cannot be honored. Also, this is a matter of saving lives, and some would say it is a commandment, and there is no obligation of honoring parents in a case of a commandment.
Why is there no obligation of honoring parents here?