Q&A: Living in Gush Etzion and traveling there in general
Living in Gush Etzion and traveling there in general
Question
Hi, I wanted to hear the Rabbi’s opinion about living in Gush Etzion (and, more generally, beyond the Green Line) — places that are usually more charged.
Given that Gush Etzion is a flashpoint that creates turmoil on both sides, a great many soldiers are needed to defend the area.
And it seems like a waste — both of needless fighting and hatred, and of the soldiers stationed there.
So maybe it’s better not to live there.
And even going there, in a certain sense, encourages settlement there, so maybe it’s better not to go there at all.
Of course I understand if your answer is from a religious perspective, but I’m looking for an answer not from a religious angle.
Thank you very much
Answer
If you just live there casually and don’t see any importance or value in it, then there really is no point in stirring up conflict and becoming a burden on others. But if, in your view, people ought to live there and hold the area, then there is no reason at all to give that up just because it is controversial.
Discussion on Answer
Of course there is religious value here in settling/conquering the Land. But practically, what determines things is the agreement we are aiming for with the Palestinians. I have no position on that, because I haven’t thought through what the correct border line is (that requires systematic work). True, we don’t have a partner, but precisely for that reason we need to decide this for ourselves and work toward implementing that decision.
My question is whether the Rabbi sees value in this.
If yes, why; if not, why not?