by Elisa Garfagna
In Jewish thought, life is a supreme value—a divine gift to be safeguarded and protected. The principle of pikuach nefesh (saving a life) takes precedence over almost all other religious commandments. However, this sanctity does not exclude the right to self-defense, both on an individual and collective level. It remains a complex issue, subject to ongoing reflection within Jewish tradition.
The Torah and rabbinic texts strongly emphasize the sanctity of life. Murder is considered one of the gravest sins, and Jewish law prescribes severe penalties for those who commit it. The loss of even a single life is seen as an immense tragedy, as each individual is regarded as an entire world.
Despite this emphasis on preserving life, Jewish tradition acknowledges the right—and sometimes the duty—to defend oneself from aggression. Jewish law permits the use of force, even lethal force, to protect oneself and others from imminent danger, based on the principle: “If someone comes to kill you, kill them first.”
The balance between the sanctity of life and the right to self-defense has been debated for centuries by rabbinic scholars. The central question concerns the limits and conditions under which force is permissible. The goal is always to protect life while avoiding unnecessary or disproportionate violence.
Beyond individual self-defense, Jewish tradition recognizes the right of an entire community to protect itself from external threats. This principle underpins the concept of a “defensive war,” which is deemed legitimate if aimed at ensuring collective security in the face of real and imminent danger.
Rooted in the Torah and Jewish history, the notion of defensive warfare is considered essential for survival and reflects ancient religious principles. The Torah acknowledges the reality of war and the necessity of defending one’s community and land. Deuteronomy 20:1 states: “When you go out to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and a people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, is with you.” This verse underscores that faith in God is fundamental and that defensive war is legitimized by His presence.
Exodus 15:3 declares: “The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is His name.” Here, God is depicted as a warrior, suggesting that the fight for justice and the protection of one’s people is sacred.
Throughout history, Jews have faced relentless persecution and attacks, making defensive war an intrinsic part of their survival. From the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Empire—commemorated during Hanukkah—to modern wars for the survival of the State of Israel, defensive warfare has been seen as a means to protect Jewish existence and values.
Despite the legitimacy of defensive war, Judaism sets clear ethical boundaries. For example, Deuteronomy 20:19-20 instructs: “When you lay siege to a city for a long time to capture it, do not destroy its fruit trees… for is the tree of the field a human being, that it should be besieged by you?” This verse suggests that war must not lead to unnecessary destruction or gratuitous suffering.
Exodus 23:2 warns: “Do not follow the majority to do evil,” highlighting the moral responsibility of each individual, even in wartime.
The debate remains open within the Jewish world. Some argue that war is always wrong and that peace must be pursued at all costs. Others view war as a necessary evil to protect the community. Identity, values, and defense—these have been the pillars of Jewish society for millennia.
Terrorism, political conflicts, and security threats pose difficult dilemmas: Should hostages be freed even if it means releasing hundreds of terrorists, or should the fight against Hamas continue at the cost of hostages’ lives? This is one of the agonizing questions that has deeply divided the Jewish community and Israeli society in recent times.
In the end, Israel opted to bring the hostages home, despite uncertainty, following the principle of the sanctity of life.
The discussion on these issues continues to evolve. Balancing the sanctity of life with the right to self-defense is a challenge that requires constant dialogue between communities and political leaders. The debate remains as intense as the hearts of Israelis, who long for nothing more than to live in peace.