All of Israel is wrestling right now with the release of the hostages in Gaza at such a steep price – namely, the freeing of hundreds of Palestinian terrorists, many with blood on their hands and the desire to kill again. Many arguments for and against the deal have been raised. It turns out this debate has gone on within Jewish communities for centuries. Indeed, the commandment to redeem captives has been discussed extensively in halakhic literature – reflecting the prevalence of such kidnappings Jewish history.
The primary position was articulated by Maimonides, the 12th century Sephardic scholar, who said: “There is no greater commandment than redeeming captives.” He contended that “redeeming captives takes precedence over feeding the poor and clothing them, since the captives are included among the hungry, thirsty, and naked, in danger of losing their lives. And one who averts his eyes from redeeming them transgresses against the commandments ‘do not harden your heart or shut your hand’ (Deuteronomy 15:7) and ‘do not stand idly by the blood of your neighbour’ (Leviticus 19:16) … and nullifies the commandment ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself’ (Leviticus 19:18) and many similar precepts.”
But there is one major exception, as explained in the Talmud. “One does not ransom captives for more than their value because of Tikkun Olam (for the good order of the world). Otherwise, the kidnappers would be encouraged to continue abducting people because it pays.
The debate in Jewish tradition revolves around balancing these two contradictory principles. When does one pay more than fair value? As usual, the Jewish approach does not provide one authoritative answer. It just shows the pros and cons, and one must decide on their own.
In the Bible, stories of the rescue of hostages abound. In Genesis 14, Abram rescued Lot from his abductors. In 1 Samuel 30, David rescued his wives and entire encampment from the Amalekites. And in the Exodus from Egypt, God miraculously delivered the whole nation from slavery.
The current deal is not a military victory, and the release of the captives involves huge risks in having to free hardened terrorists who will likely attack again. But October 7 was unique and involves rescuing hundreds of captives. This is not a matter of weighing the value of one or two individuals versus the risks to the community. Both courses of action affect the whole community. The hostages also are in serious danger.
For Christians, the advice of Maimonides sounds similar to the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:35ff. Jesus considers each ‘prisoner’ as his brothers and sisters and those who contend over their fate do it for Him.
Let us pray for Israeli society as they grapple with this very difficult dilemma. Ask for all the hostages to come home safely, even as the Lord shields the people of Israel from further harm by its ruthless enemies.
Blessings from Jerusalem!
Dr. Mojmir Kallus Vice President for International Affairs International Christian Embassy Jerusalem
Prayer Guide
Dear Prayer Partners,
All of Israel is wrestling right now with the release of the hostages in Gaza at such a steep price – namely, the freeing of hundreds of Palestinian terrorists, many with blood on their hands and the desire to kill again. Many arguments for and against the deal have been raised. It turns out this debate has gone on within Jewish communities for centuries. Indeed, the commandment to redeem captives has been discussed extensively in halakhic literature – reflecting the prevalence of such kidnappings Jewish history.
The primary position was articulated by Maimonides, the 12th century Sephardic scholar, who said: “There is no greater commandment than redeeming captives.” He contended that “redeeming captives takes precedence over feeding the poor and clothing them, since the captives are included among the hungry, thirsty, and naked, in danger of losing their lives. And one who averts his eyes from redeeming them transgresses against the commandments ‘do not harden your heart or shut your hand’ (Deuteronomy 15:7) and ‘do not stand idly by the blood of your neighbour’ (Leviticus 19:16) … and nullifies the commandment ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself’ (Leviticus 19:18) and many similar precepts.”
But there is one major exception, as explained in the Talmud. “One does not ransom captives for more than their value because of Tikkun Olam (for the good order of the world). Otherwise, the kidnappers would be encouraged to continue abducting people because it pays.
The debate in Jewish tradition revolves around balancing these two contradictory principles. When does one pay more than fair value? As usual, the Jewish approach does not provide one authoritative answer. It just shows the pros and cons, and one must decide on their own.
In the Bible, stories of the rescue of hostages abound. In Genesis 14, Abram rescued Lot from his abductors. In 1 Samuel 30, David rescued his wives and entire encampment from the Amalekites. And in the Exodus from Egypt, God miraculously delivered the whole nation from slavery.
The current deal is not a military victory, and the release of the captives involves huge risks in having to free hardened terrorists who will likely attack again. But October 7 was unique and involves rescuing hundreds of captives. This is not a matter of weighing the value of one or two individuals versus the risks to the community. Both courses of action affect the whole community. The hostages also are in serious danger.
For Christians, the advice of Maimonides sounds similar to the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:35ff. Jesus considers each ‘prisoner’ as his brothers and sisters and those who contend over their fate do it for Him.
Let us pray for Israeli society as they grapple with this very difficult dilemma. Ask for all the hostages to come home safely, even as the Lord shields the people of Israel from further harm by its ruthless enemies.
Blessings from Jerusalem!
Dr. Mojmir Kallus
Vice President for International Affairs
International Christian Embassy Jerusalem
Photo Credit: IDF Spokesman
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