Mutual Responsibility & Redeeming Captives: The Jewish Imperative

July 4, 1976. The world stood in awe. The day in which the world would congratulate the United States on its bicentennial, the headlines were stolen by a tiny country in the Middle East. In a daring, unprecedented move, Israeli commando units swooped down on Entebbe, Uganda, freeing 106 Jewish captives and flying them safely back to Israel. The Jewish world swelled with pride at this incredibly daring feat, at the sight of Jewish soldiers saving their fellow people from the hands of those who wished to harm them!
Redeeming captives is not a mitzvah only recently discovered along with Entebee or Gilad Shalit. It has deep roots in Jewish sources- with examples and stories throughout Jewish history. It is the topic of much debate in discussion, in the Talmud and in Jewish law.

What is the Jewish imperative for Pidyon Shvuyim?
Why is it so important and why is it so complicated?

In this unit, we include two options of exploring the issue- a text study for a group setting, as well as a series of short podcasts on the topic.

Freedom Trips

One of the gifts of living in a democracy is the ability to amplify even the smallest voice and make it heard in the most powerful halls of government. You can keep the plight of the hostages as top priority for American legislators by taking the time to call, write and visit your representatives. Urge Congress to work with the international community, and particularly Qatar, in securing the immediate release of all hostages. In this unit you can find ideas for political activism which can take as little as one minute and as much as a day. Any time investment is worthwhile!! For a deeper lesson in civic activism, we give you some tools and encourage you to take your students on a trip to Washington, DC to advocate in person on behalf of the hostages.

Hear Our Pleas: Action through Prayer

What prayer traditions and customs do we have to pray on behalf of the hostages? What are the various new forms of prayer we can create in order to plead for a brighter future?

Remember & Observe: Shabbat Rituals

What inspiration can we take from our weekly Shabbat rituals to remind us of the hostages? As we celebrate Shabbat, what might we do to remember those who cannot celebrate it fully?

Every Person is an Entire World

What can inspire us to remember the individuality of each hostage and each and every human? What can we create to help others remember and act on behalf of the hostages?

Empathy is not Exclusive: Enabling Ambassadors

Family First?

What is the value of family? Who are my family members? Are they only my immediate family? What is my connection to the larger Jewish People? Where am I in the story? Do I have responsibility to my family? If so, what is it? Are hostages of all faiths and nationalities currently captured in Gaza a priority for us?

‘Respect Your Elders’: The Elderly Hostages

As we will learn, there is a Torah obligation to care for the elderly. There are still elderly hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza. The majority of these hostages are male. At least 10 of the hostages are 75 or older. We know nothing of their fate. Do they have the medicines they need? Are they being treated with kindness? Do they have blankets to keep warm and enough food to eat? Are they suffering from long term illnesses that require treatment? Who is looking out for them?

׳Our Hands Did Not Shed this Blood׳: Leadership at a Time of Community Crisis

The issues of leadership and responsibility are naturally front and center in the story of redeeming the captives. Who is responsible in this case? Have our official leaders taken the necessary course of action? Have we, as individuals and as a community, taken responsibility for those suffering within us?

Each Child Belongs to All of Us: Parents to Parents

What would you do for the safe return of your kids? One of the basic tenets of parenthood is the responsibility of the parent to care for their child and protect them. Maya Angelou wrote: “Each child belongs to all of us and they will bring us a tomorrow in direct relation to the responsibility we have shown to them.”
Parents are fierce protectors of their children and we are all the protectors of the next generation. Use your voice and your power as a parent to reach across cultures and religions to help release the hostages in Gaza so they can continue to grow in freedom.