The Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) has noted that there is an important Jewish precedent which argues against paying the ransom to Hamas of freeing 1,000 Arab terrorists for the release of Corporal Gilad Schalit, as is presently being contemplated by the Israeli government.
ZOA has pointed to the classic and well-known episode of Rabbi Meir of Rothenberg (1215-1293), a preeminent Jewish sage and leader of Jewry in his day, who was kidnapped and imprisoned by King Rudolf I in 1286.
A large ransom of 23,000 marks silver was demanded by the authorities for his release.
Rabbi Meir himself ruled against the payment by the Jewish community of any such ransom on the basis that, while the obligation of redeeming captives (pidyon shivuyin) was an important Jewish commandment, no ransom should be paid for fear of encouraging the imprisonment of other rabbis and Jewish leaders. Rabbi Meir died in prison.
ZOA National President Morton A. Klein said, “The ZOA has argued consistently against freeing terrorists even in exchange for kidnapped, innocent Israelis.
:Our reasoning has been consistent with Rabbi Meir’s ruling that to encourage more such kidnappings is a prospect too terrible to contemplate, even at the price of failing to free a kidnapped, innocent Jew. No exception was made, even for a revered rabbinic authority and leader.
“In the case of Gilad Schalit, the argument against ransoming him from Hamas terrorists is even more compelling then it was in Rabbi Meir’s case. In Rabbi Meir’s case, the main risk was encouraging more such kidnappings and ransoms.
“Here, as we have previously argued, the record shows that there is a significant percentage of terrorists who have been released in the past have gone on to commit more murders and violence against Jews, not to mention the uplifting and enhancement of Hamas terrorists.
“However much it hurts us – and it does greatly – Israel dare not pay the ransom of freeing 1,000 Arab terrorists to obtain the release of Gilad Schalit, because the first duty of the Israeli government is to protect all Israelis. It follows that it must protect Israelis from further loss of life and limb to future terrorist attacks that will be committed by at least some of these released terrorists.”
we must get him out from bing prisnd !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
To all those asking: what if it was your son? – let me ask: what if you know that it will be your son CHA”V who will be… by the released terrorist, or your … kidnapped because they see it is worth it? Just some facts: Over 100 Israelis were KILLED by terrorists previously released in such deals! The Rebbe spoke a number of times totally against releasing so many terrorists in exchange for captured soldiers (and the Rebbe DID bring the story of MHARAM) And let’s not forget: The Israeli government has many ways to release him without endangering… Read more »
who do they think they are the maharam chose not to be realesed who are they to decide for him also they did not tortur the maharam however hear it is diferent the arabs are going to kidnap israelis anyway cause they want them dead …
and hes a soldier
there are two ways of looking at it
A. ZOA are right and pitty to the family
B. think about it like this: what if it was ur son.
you are all saying this because he is not your family if chas v’shalom it was your family you would think different
i feel bad but it might be the right thing
while they have a valid point, when it’s your own child things take on a very different light.
all the pity to the family, but it is not a smart move.
they oppose the exchange i.e. releasing terrorist.