Rabbi’s Shabbat Message
Heart vs. Head: Hostage Deal Dilemmas
The news of a hostage deal has been met with what can only be described as “cautious optimism” across Jewish communities. On the one hand, we vividly remember the emotional scenes of hostages returning to their families in November 2023 – the jubilation, the tears of joy and relief. On the other hand, we are reminded of the cost of such past decisions. In 2011, one of the jailed terrorists freed in the Gilad Shalit exchange was Yahya Sinwar, who later masterminded the October 7 attacks.
As IDF commando Jared Rubenstein wrote in an op-ed, “Freeing Shalit ultimately cost us 1,200 Israeli lives on October 7, 871 IDF soldiers, and over 4,300 wounded. Any leader with a rational mind must recognize this as a strategic blunder.”
When she was a Member of Knesset, Geulah Cohen was once asked what she would do if her child were taken by Hamas. She said, “As a mother, I would be outside the Prime Minister’s office with a megaphone, demanding the Government do everything to bring my child back. But as a Knesset member, I would sit inside and tell the Prime Minister not to listen to the demonstrators.” I think we can all relate to her sentiments.
Yesterday, I watched an interview with the relative of one of seven American hostages held in Gaza. She spoke about the first rule in counterterrorism: “Never negotiate with terrorists.” Yet today, she’s ready to throw the rulebook away to bring her cousin home—at any cost.
Most of us are fortunate not to face such a tragic dilemma. Yet, we all feel the weight of this quandary. If we follow the Shalit paradigm, we risk another October 7. If we don’t, we risk losing precious hostages to Hamas.
Advocates for the deal recognize the risk but believe it’s worth it to uphold Israel’s ethical principle: no Israeli should be abandoned. Each hostage represents an entire world. Baby Kfir Bibas will spend his second birthday in captivity this Shabbat. The thought is almost too much to bear.
Yet, Jews are a nation of strong, diverse voices, rarely in agreement. This is a moment where we deeply debate the pros and cons of the deal. Our emotions run high—elation, hope, fear, and disappointment. We are torn between heart and head.
The brain says: Terrible deal.
The heart says: Rejoice—they’re finally coming home.
But as one united Jewish community, we cannot allow our hearts and minds to collide. In this rare instance, let us agree on one thing: we all want our hostages home. We must rise above our differences of opinion and show unwavering support for Israel, especially when the world has turned its back on us. Despite our different views, we can agree that only when the hostages are safely home can the process of national healing truly begin.
Let us not abandon Israel, despite its flaws, just as G-d has never abandoned us. This Shabbat, rather than letting anxiety fester, let us focus our prayers on the health and safety of every hostage released, please G-d, starting this Sunday and in the days to follow.
Next Friday night, we are honoured to host former Prime Minister The Hon. Tony Abbott AC. This rare appearance is not to be missed, especially in light of the recent developments in Israel.
Wishing you all a peaceful and meaningful Shabbat.
Rabbi Levi and Chanie