Powerless or Compassionate-Power

A visit last week to the Tel Aviv Art Museum revealed two works that evoke Jewish powerlessness. One from 2023’s Nova Festival Massacre. Another from 1945 of a kneeled, desperate woman called Longing. The curator’s choice to put them side by side is tellingly vivid.

Our People have a long, agonizing rapport with powerless vulnerability. Even if it has never and will never bring about our final demise, it’s always a dead end for some. Alas, for too many. We keenly know that there’s no going back. As long as pruning-hooks keep getting reproduced as swords, we have no choice but to rise to our self-defense. 

Most importantly, we faithfully exercise our power responsibly. Wherever possible, mercifully. Whenever possible, compassionately. 

Here’s a favorite illustration, retold this week in an article by Ayal Tzir Cohen, who led the highest levels of Israel’s Intelligence and Security services. We got to meet him for a Tel Aviv lunch a couple of weeks ago. He’s quite impressive.

In early March of 2003, Israeli tactical forces moved in to apprehend Abdullah Barghuoti, mastermind of the Second Intifada. He was convicted of murdering 66 Israeli and wounding over 500. Akin to the Sinwar of twenty years ago. The element of surprise to non-violently take him into custody was essential. Teams had been working on it for years. Wherever he went, he’d station lookouts and fighters at every corner throughout the Hamas-stronghold neighborhood.  

On the morning when he was taken into custody, caught entirely by surprise, without struggle, the Israeli team hadn’t expected him to be with his 3-year-old daughter, but he was. So they had to improvise. With seconds to spare before dangerous fighters were closing in on them, they went door to door, seeking a neighbor who could take in the girl and bring her safely back to her home. They did so at great risk, without any operational order or judge’s decision. This is true to the ethical purity of Israel’s code of ethics. It’s how we exercise power compassionately. 

This week’s portions of Torah teach of generosity that established and kept-up our sacred institutions. Contributions came from all who had a willfully generous heart (Ex. 25:2). Such a heart is the opposite of a hardened, icy one of Pharaoh. Tender hearts do get broken. But they also heal. May they ever-remain our source of strength and hope.