Alex Cosh

@alex.readthemaple.com

News editor, @readthemaple.com

https://www.readthemaple.com/signup-bluesky/

@lukelebrun.caReposted by @alex.readthemaple.com

The National Post is using language that seems wildly irresponsible and dangerous here

Citing ancient “Jewish law,” it labels Avi Lewis as a “rodef”

The ultranationalist extremist who assassinated Yitzhak Rabin rationalized his killing on the same basis:

www.theguardian.com/world/2020/o...

None of this applies, however, when a Jewish person presents a clear and present danger to the Jewish community. When that happens, Jewish thought is much more forceful: you must prevent the perpetrator from causing harm. Jewish law developed two character sketches to describe such scenarios. The first is known as a "mosar" — a Jewish person who informs to oppressive authorities, potentially leading to the imprisonment, torture or death of community members. The second, called a "rodef," refers to a Jew who is actively pursuing another with the intent to harm or kill them. In both scenarios, the law is clear that a Jew is duty-bound to step in. Protecting the community and its members is the most important thing.It was around then that Yigal Amir, an earnest law student, made up his mind to kill the prime minister. Later he would insist he was not swayed by extremist rabbis; he had reached his own decision that Rabin - through his willingness to cede territory and to allow the creation of a Palestinian Authority, with its own armed police force - was a rodef and therefore a legitimate target. He got a weapon easily enough. With his brother, Amir was working on the creation of an anti-Palestinian militia. Nor was access difficult; on at least three occasions before the rally, Amir attended public events where Rabin was present. He was waiting for the right moment: he didn't want to shoot and miss.
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