The mitzvah of redeeming captives is one of Judaism’s most sacred commandments. Yet, for some inexplicable reason, it seems to have vanished from the priorities of some in Israel’s ultra-Orthodox community.
These are the same people who take to the streets en masse over the conscription of yeshiva students, against Sabbath violations, synagogue closures during COVID, and financial subsidies—thousands rallying passionately for these causes. So, why aren't you in the streets for the captives? When it comes to the religious decree of redeeming captives, all they offer is deafening silence.
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People gather at Tel Aviv's hostage square calling for their return
(Photo: Moti Kimchi)
When "The Hostage Square" was established, I believed the ultra-Orthodox community would naturally join the fight for the release of our captives—innocent people, now suffering at the hands of murderers. I never thought, nor do I think now, that this is a matter of left or right. It's about fellow Israelis, whose only crime was being in the wrong place on that tragic morning. They’ve been abandoned—not by me or others outside the government, but by cynical, heartless politicians, too focused on preserving their Knesset seats.
Every morning, like many Jews in New York, I wake up wondering how I would survive if one of my five children were taken hostage. What if it were my daughter Shira, enduring ongoing abuse? What if it was yours? I try to distract myself from that haunting thought, but it’s a constant, painful weight. It breeds frustration and anger towards those who hold the power to end this collective nightmare – as well as those in the US who call upon Israel to stop its operations, but never call upon Hamas to release these tormented hostages.
I have many ultra-Orthodox friends, and while conversations about conscription and similar issues are difficult, they pale in comparison to this. Why aren’t you out in full force for the captives? This isn’t politics, no matter how much the “Bibi-ists” try to frame it that way. This is about our people—our brothers and sisters—being tortured, raped, starved, and slaughtered. Their families shattered. And for you, my Haredi brothers and sisters, it's one of the most important Jewish decrees.
Your community is renowned for its generosity, for aiding widows, orphans, and the needy. It's also known for fighting against anything which contradicts the laws of Torah. Why, then, are you not flooding the streets demanding that the Prime Minister make a deal immediately? Why are your leaders allowing Netanyahu to be held hostage by the messianic Ben-Gvirs? Why is Agudat Yisrael and Shas not making its voice heard—day and night, in every media outlet? Why let one man tear apart the moral fabric of Israel? We must uphold the core value: “All of Israel are responsible for one another.”
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Members of family of hostages hold a vigil outsode the home of Shas leader Arye Deri
(צילום: רוני גרין שאולוב)
I’ve read about Arieh Deri’s attempts to form a unity government. A year later, we’re still talking about “attempts.” It’s clear unity is not on the horizon. So, why, Mr. Deri and Mr. Arbel, are you not reaching across the aisle to push for a deal, with your promise of support?
Whatever you, Mr. Deri, decide, the rest of Shas will follow. You know, as I do, that a unity government is not happening. Health Minister Moshe Arbel may attend funerals and lament the government’s failure, but where’s the action? Has he voted for a deal? No. Talk is cheap.
Judy Nir Shalom Moses Only a few voices, like Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, son of the great Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, have spoken up, calling for a deal after witnessing the horrifying footage of murdered hostages. That horror must lead to action.
Though I’m no expert in Judaism, I know many ultra-Orthodox individuals—wonderful people who believe in mutual respect. They respect me, and I respect them. So why aren’t more of you in the streets, fighting for our people? Why does the US hold its captive citizens in greater regard than the Jewish state holds hers? Join us. Organize your own protests, and pressure your leaders. We must do everything possible to ensure Netanyahu signs a deal. We must do everything in our power to diminish Ben-Gvir’s stranglehold. Help us bring our captives home—alive, not in coffins.