Collective Responsibility – Understanding Our Role in the War

As I was learning Sefer Shoftim yesterday, I thought about how it parallels current events, as the IDF is about to call up approximately 60,000 soldiers for yet another round of service.

In the tragic story of פילגש בגבעה – The Concubine of Giva (Shoftim 21:8), it was decided by the overwhelming majority of the Jewish people to go to war against the tribe of Binyamin due to its complicity in the terrible rape and murder of a woman in that city.

While all segments of the Jewish people participated in the war, there was one group of people who decided to stay out. Those were the people of Yavesh Gilad.

While they may have felt validation for not fighting, the fact that they separated themselves from the rest of Bnei Yisrael resulted in them deserving to be killed. The Navi appears to validate Bnei Yisrael’s position, as they were not punished for attacking the people of Yavesh Gilad.

Similarly, after Barak and Devorah successfully fought off Sisera, Devorah berated the tribes of Reuven and Dan for standing on the side and not helping in the war. (Shoftim 5:16-17)

Notably in her rebuke, Devorah pointed out to the tribes of Reuven and Dan that even the tribe of Issachar, who were known as the Torah scholars, also participated in the war. They didn’t claim that their Torah learning exempted them from the battle. Devorah explained that if even the Torah scholars participated, certainly they should have as well.

In our times, the government of Israel, which is a representation of the majority of its constituents, declared war on our enemies in response to their desire and plans to destroy us. While the overwhelming majority of able-bodied men joined in the war effort, there have been several groups who have refused to take part in the war with the rest of Bnei Yisrael.

The Kumi Israel organization, one of the leading protest movements against the government, calling on soldiers to refuse military service.
Photo Credit: Kumi Israel

We should learn the lessons taught by the episodes of Yavesh Gilad and Devorah, and make sure to never just stand on the sidelines while others protect us during our collective time of need.