Into the Verse - A Parsha Podcast Israel at War: A War of Revenge?
Nov 20, 2023
The hosts delve into the complex emotions fueling Israel's response to Hamas, questioning the motivations of security, rescue, and retribution. They discuss the risks of uncontrolled vengeance and the importance of distinguishing between justice and revenge. The conversation highlights the ambiguity around civilian identities in conflict and emphasizes the need for moral integrity in retaliation. They also share stories of hope and solidarity, urging listeners to channel grief into constructive action rather than succumbing to rage.
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Stomach-Turning Airport Video
- Rabbi David Fohrman recounts seeing disturbing videos of vigilante violence at Ben Gurion Airport that made him physically ill.
- He compares the humiliation scenes to historic images of torment, stressing how those visuals provoked deep moral discomfort.
Three Motivations For War
- The hosts list three motivations for war: safety, rescue, and retribution, and distinguish between them.
- They warn that revenge can overshadow security-focused aims and corrupt moral judgment.
Retribution Versus Revenge
- Rabbi David Fohrman argues retribution can be defensible when tied to deterrence and safety.
- He cautions that revenge, divorced from security, is a corrupting emotion that escalates violence.