War and Ethics

As we struggle to come to terms with the cruel, brutal execution of six innocent Israeli civilians (hostages) by Hamas, it’s fitting to contrast their actions with the ethical standards outlined in this week’s Torah reading, Ki Teitzei, and the high moral values upheld by the IDF. Don’t believe everything you hear in the media. Israel’s soldiers, known for their compassion and dignity, reflect the ethical guidelines found in the Torah, even in the midst of war.

The Parsha of Ki Teitzei begins with the words, “When you go out to war” (Ki Tetze Milmachma). What follows is a series of laws that are more than just legal details—they guide ethical behaviour in war, such as the treatment of a captured woman. This emphasis on justice and compassion stands in stark contrast to the horrific acts committed by Hamas on October 7. This comparison is a reminder that the values taught in the Torah are as relevant today as they were over 3,000 years ago.

Hamas’ Violations of Conventional Rules of War

I’ve compiled a list, with the help of ChatGPT, that outlines the forms of warfare used by Hamas and their violations of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions. These conventions exist to protect civilians, prevent suffering, and ensure humane treatment in conflict. Hamas’ actions—terrorism, targeting civilians, using human shields, and committing atrocities—are clear violations. Here’s the list:

1. Terror Warfare: Targeting civilians, shooting rockets into civilian areas,  using tunnels for surprise attacks, and employing human shields to create fear and chaos.
2. Social Media Warfare: Using platforms to spread propaganda, recruit members, incite violence, and manipulate global opinion.
3. Disinformation Warfare: Spreading false information and biased narratives to confuse both adversaries and the international community.
4. Boycott Warfare: Supporting economic and cultural boycotts, like the BDS movement, to isolate Israel.
5. Lawfare: Exploiting legal systems to delegitimise Israel through false charges and legal actions.
6. Psychological Warfare: Aiming to create fear and panic, weakening opponents’ resolve.
7. Media Warfare: Broadcasting distorted narratives to sway public opinion.
8. Lawfare Based on Lies: Using fabricated accusations to manipulate public opinion.
9. Emotional Warfare: Exploiting images of suffering to garner sympathy and rally support.
10. Economic Warfare: Targeting financial systems and infrastructure. Disrupting Travel and Tourism.
11. Cyber Warfare: Hacking, cyber-espionage, and digital sabotage.
12. Diplomatic Warfare: Manipulating international diplomacy to isolate Israel.
13. Protests on the Streets Warfare: Organizing global protests to pressure governments.
14. Delegitimization Warfare: Questioning Israel’s right to exist and attacking its moral standing.
15. False Narratives on Campuses and in Media: Spreading biased narratives to influence young minds.
16. Narrative Warfare: Framing actions as part of a resistance, appealing to cultural identities.
17. Proxy Warfare: Supporting conflicts through allied groups or states.
18. Humanitarian Warfare: Manipulating aid to gain international sympathy.
19. Cultural Warfare: Undermining adversaries’ cultural symbols while promoting their own.
20. Propaganda Warfare: Disseminating propaganda through education and media to influence opinion.
21. Economic Exploitation: Exploiting economic hardships for political leverage.
22. Diplomatic Manipulation: Using international bodies to block actions against Hamas.
23. Educational Warfare: Indoctrinating younger generations to ensure future support.
24. Environmental Warfare: Causing deliberate environmental damage, such as setting fires.
25. Underground Warfare: Using tunnels for smuggling, surprise attacks, and evasion.
26. Rape, Massacres, and Kidnapping of Civilians: Committing atrocities like rape and massacres to terrorise and coerce.

The Perspective of Andrew Fox about Hamas’ Violations of Conventional Rules of War.

Andrew Fox, a former British Army officer and senior lecturer at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, explains Hamas’ tactics clearly.

He posted, “Another morning spent with the IDF. One takeaway is that the “genocide” screechers are going to look embarrassingly silly when all this is over. Utterly detached from reality.

You only really need to understand three things about the war in Gaza:

1. October 7th: Israel’s response is morally and strategically justified. Hamas’ disinformation has overshadowed the horrors of that day.
2. Hostages: Their capture complicates Israel’s operations and pressures the government to ceasefire.
3. Tunnels: Hamas’ tunnels, connected to mosques and schools, require simultaneous overground and underground attacks, causing extensive damage but leaving no other option.

Let’s contrast this with the British government’s latest Arms Trade Embargo. Are they so blind to the truth?

A Travesty of God’s Name

Hamas may frame this as a religious war, but it’s nothing short of a travesty to claim that these horrific actions are carried out in God’s name. As Rabbi Jonathan Sacks profoundly states in Not in God’s Name:

“Too often in the history of religion, God has been called on to bless hatred and violence. Yet the God of Abraham, the God of the Bible, is not a God of war but a God of peace. Religion, at its best, binds people together in shared responsibility for justice and compassion, not in cruelty and destruction.”

Hamas’ actions, carried out in the name of religion, betray these fundamental values. They do not honour God—they desecrate His name. The Torah’s teachings in Ki Teitzei emphasize justice, compassion, and ethical conduct even in warfare, highlighting the profound misuse of religion by groups like Hamas. Rabbi Sacks emphasizes that when religion is twisted for violent purposes, “it does not make men holy; it makes them murderers.” This war is not about faith—it’s about power, manipulation, and the exploitation of religious sentiment for political and violent ends.

Part Two: The Timeless Relevance of Ancient Laws

The laws in Ki Teitzei touch on many topics which still resonate today.

• Emotional Intelligence and Justice: The Torah’s laws on family relationships, like the beloved and hated sons, stress fairness and emotional intelligence, which are still vital today.
• Social Equality and Compassion: Laws regarding rebellious sons, criminal punishment, and humane treatment of animals show the Torah’s deep concern for justice, principles that remain essential in our modern society.
• Gender Identity and Expression: The Torah’s guidelines on men’s and women’s clothing challenge traditional gender norms, a particularly relevant topic today.
• Ethical Treatment of Workers: The Torah’s commandments on fair wages and workers’ rights resonate with today’s labour issues, reminding us of the importance of dignity in the workplace.

Double Standards in Today’s World

The sensitivity found in the Torah starkly contrasts the double standards of today’s world. We face a battle of civilisations—a struggle over ideals and humanity. Do we want a world where injustice and double standards reign or one guided by fairness and compassion?

A Religious War: The Ongoing Struggle

This isn’t just a political conflict. Hamas’ naming of their attack “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood” makes it clear that this is a religious war. Throughout history, there have been countless excuses to attack Jews, and when there were none, lies were invented. This latest escalation is no different.

Time to Stand Up

Now, more than ever, we must stand up for our heritage, our rights, and the values laid out in the Torah. We cannot allow terrorism or slander to push us into fear. As Douglas Murray aptly states:

“The spirit of the young men and women fighting for Israel is awe-inspiring. They understand the gravity of the situation and the importance of standing for what is right, even against overwhelming odds.”

Their courage reminds us that we must win the fight for justice, righteousness, and preserving our heritage. Religion must not be used as a tool for destruction but as a guide for creating a world of peace, justice, and compassion.

Featured Video

The History of the Jewish Rights to Israel Reveals the Secret Behind the Media’s Bias

Rabbi Doron Perez, Executive Chairman of the Mizrachi World Movement, reflects on his family’s experiences following the October 7th attacks. In this interview, Rabbi Perez delves into the deep historical connection between the Jewish people and the land of Israel, explores the reasons behind Israel’s frequent portrayal in the media, and discusses the rise of antisemitism and the Jewish response in the aftermath of October 7th.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqZM2DoFF7A