Mixed Emotions

Certain moments in life call for us to hold multiple emotions simultaneously. In reality, there is not any day that is entirely perfect or completely painful. Joyous days may have some stressful moments, and sad ones may have happy moments. There are those moments in life that elicit intense joy and intense sadness at the same time. I feel that we, collectively, as the Jewish People, are currently experiencing those contradictory reactions. As the hostage deal is expected to start within the next few days, there is intense joy in knowing that the hostages will be reunited with their families. It is unimaginable to contemplate the horrific suffering that the hostages have been experiencing for the last 15 months. At the same time, it is with intense sadness to witness thousands of terrorists being released, including hundreds who have murdered innocent civilians. It is not a stretch of the imagination to contemplate them returning to their violent behaviors. Many are decrying this deal as a surrender to terror and a severe liability for the future security interests of Israel. Additionally, this deal appears to leave many hostages behind for an unknown and unconfirmed second phase. Many are celebrating the impending return of the hostages from the hell that they have experienced in Gaza. I have heard many conversations about whether this is a good or terrible deal. I am not even sure I am qualified to have an opinion on such a delicate and sensitive issue. The statement, "What would you do if it was your kids in Gaza," rings in my ears and gives me no rest. I have long been troubled by the words of our Rabbis who stated in the Tractate of Gittin, "that one may not redeem captives for more they are worth, because of Tikkun Olam." The Talmud explains that it is because that will incentivize bandits and terrorists to keep on abducting Jews as they know we will never leave anyone behind. The troubling part of that statement is how anyone can assess "more than they worth" as who can put a value on human life and, let alone many human lives. Nonetheless, this statement has caused some controversial outcomes over history, with emotions running high on all sides. As much as everyone wants to see the hostages back safely, it is beyond painful to have murdering terrorists freed and starting to plan their next vicious act of terror. From all the different perspectives and commentary I have read, the comments of David Friedman, former American Ambassador to Israel, resonated most with me. Friedman said, "I respect different points of view. What I respect far less is the certainty among some well-meaning folks that this is a huge mistake," he said. "It may turn out to be a mistake, it may turn out to be exactly the right move. But, either way, let's approach this with the humility, analysis, respect, and compassion that such an extraordinarily difficult problem requires." That was well said, Ambassador Friedman. In the meantime, let us continue to pray for divine handholding in these perilous times. Wishing you a Peaceful Shabbos, Rabbi Yaakov Fisch