An Illusionary Theory

THE ILLUSIONARY NOTION OF PROPORTIONALISM

Rabbi Pinchas Allouche

A Propaganda That Ought To Stop

In a card game, this question would undoubtedly be recognized as “the Joker”. Misinformed journalists, newscasters and commentators, are constantly using it since the onset of the Gaza War, just over a week ago: “Don’t you think that Israel’s reaction is disproportionate?” they ask with an aura that is a disturbing combination of arrogance and ignorance. One wonders if this question was not invented by the ruthless anti-Israel propaganda that has astonishingly conquered the stage of leading journals, television channels and radio stations. So for the sake of honesty and objective journalism, let us explore the notion of proportionalism.

An Illusionary Theory

Proportionalism, in its most basic form, is a theory that aims to balance good actions against bad ones. For example, if a person slapped an innocent man once, the innocent man has the right to slap him back just once. His reaction would counter-attack his aggressor’s bad action. Hence, Israel’s reaction toward the Hamas in Gaza has been deemed disproportionate as it has used “excessive” force toward its enemies.

Yet, at a deeper glance, this theory is dangerously misguiding, especially apropos wars. For the theory of proportionalism relates solely to the action of man; not to his intention. It relates to the quantity of the destruction; not to its quality. In Gaza, as in every war, it counts the bombs on the ground; not the devices of the heart. It measures the gigantic fires whilst ignoring the inextinguishable sparks of emotions that ignited them. Yet how can we fail to notice the infinite hatred of the Hamas terrorists that aim to annihilate the Jewish nation? How can we overlook their coldblooded intentions of murdering as many Jews as possible? How can we shut our eyes and our ears to their blatant voices of evil? Shouldn’t they also be included in the presumptuous calculations of proportionalism?

Goodness vs. Evil

Proportionalism casts a perplexing shadow on the notions of goodness and evil, for goodness and evil have no proportion. Goodness must be achieved wholesomely with uncompromising passion. Thus G-d instructs us to love Him, “with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our might” (Deuteronomy 6:5), and “You who are the lovers of G-d, be the haters of evil” (Psalms 97:10). Goodness must rule solitarily. And the greater the love of goodness, the greater and more passionate the hatred of evil. Evil, on the other hand, must be completely eradicated from our lives. For the opposing forces of goodness and evil cannot be allowed to co-exist. Imagine a sex offender at your doorstep menacing the children of your household. If you truly love your children, would you invite him to your home for a coffee, or would you strike him with all your means and resources? Indeed, evil must be confronted and expelled with unequivocal determination and strength.

A War Of Intentions

In 1973, during the infamous Yom Kippur War, the “singing Rabbi”, Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach of blessed memory, was interviewed by a Dutch journalist on the quintessential difference between the Israeli soldier and the Arab soldier at that time. “It seems that they are identical,” the Dutch journalist exclaimed. “They are both descendants of Abraham, they both pray to the same G-d, and they are now fighting for the same land!” “So Rabbi,” she concluded her question, “what is the difference between the two?”

After pausing for a few moments, Rabbi Carlebach replied wittingly: “You are right, dear journalist. There seems to be no difference between the Arab soldier and the Israeli soldier. But upon examination, I can notice a difference of intentions. You see,” he explained, “while the Arab soldier cleans his rifle, positions it, and prepares to shoot at his enemies, he prays to G-d that he should kill as many enemies as possible. Yet the Israeli soldier is somewhat different. When he cleans his rifle, positions it, and prepares to shoot at his enemies, he prays to G-d that there should be peace in a world free of evil, so that he will not be compelled to kill anyone!”

“A Nation That Dwells Alone”

Indeed, these intentions express an unbridgeable difference between the two soldiers. One is an agent of goodness and peace. The other, an agent of evil and destruction. This is also the striking reality of the Gaza war. Israel’s exemplary soldiers have always been pursuers of goodness and peace. But if goodness is to prevail, evil must be overpowered. Thus Hamas and its wicked affiliates cannot be tolerated. They must be vanquished and eliminated until the end of times.

Albert Einstein famously said that, “the world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don’t do anything about it.” It is thus high time Israel retaliates with unbending conviction against ‘people who are evil’. It is also high time the people of the world learn to recognize Israel’s tireless efforts to allow goodness to reign. But even if it fails to do so, the people of Israel are determined to accomplish this mission as “a nation that dwells alone” (Numbers 23:9).

Alone with goodness. Alone with no proportion.