The Chabad-Lubavitch movement has issued a stark warning to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against proceeding with the reported Hamas hostage deal, releasing a dramatic letter that invokes their late leader's strong opposition to prisoner exchanges with terrorist organizations.
This is the letter delivered to Netanyahu and his cabinet:
"To Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Honorable Members of the Israeli Government,
We respectfully present the Lubavitcher Rebbe's position on deals with terrorist organizations for the release of hostages. While the Rebbe did not intervene in politics, his deep concern for the millions of Jews living in Israel led him to express his view on how they could live in peace and security.
Throughout Jewish history, Israel has dealt with kidnappings, and Jewish sages established rules on how to act to avoid encouraging additional kidnappings. There is no doubt that the hellish torment of the hostages themselves and the pain of their families is terrible and heartbreaking. However, it is necessary to consider factors affecting the entire nation and prevent a situation that could lead to much greater bloodshed.
The Rebbe believed that the approach taken by Israeli governments in the first decades of its existence – not surrendering to kidnappings and not allowing kidnappers to achieve gains – was the correct path that would prevent additional kidnappings.
After one of the first mass releases of terrorists in exchange for reserve soldier Avraham Amram in 1979, the Rebbe demanded: 'Why Did They Surrender?! You yourselves declared this was a matter of principle, that you wouldn't surrender to any threat... And here they suddenly reversed course, and to an alarming degree – one for seventy-something! Almost half of those released weren't imprisoned for trivial matters, but they are active terrorists, with Jewish blood on their hands!'
We call on decision-makers to make every effort to free our kidnapped brothers from captivity, but not through a deal that endangers the people of Israel. It is your duty to withstand pressures and prevent a situation where an irresponsible deal leads to the spilling of Jewish blood and more families being struck by bereavement and orphanhood, God forbid.
Respectfully and with the blessing of 'And I will give peace in the land,'
Agudath Chasidei Chabad"
The intervention comes at a crucial moment as Israel reportedly nears a deal with Hamas for the release of hostages taken during the October 7 attacks.
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