           In the traditions of Rabbi Meir Kahane, z"l
                      by Gershon Ben Shabtai
                          May 20, 1992
                     To Shoot or Not to Shoot

       Every soldier, never mind a civilian, in the Jewish State is a walking target for any
Arab who is subject to sudden uncontrollable "national impulses".  When a soldier is issued a
weapon in the IDF, the very possession of which makes his legitimacy as a target that much
greater, he is also issued a very intricate list of rules and regulations as to just what circumstances
permit him to use that weapon.  Unfortunately, (or maybe fortunately) he is not given the services
of either a translator or a lawyer to interpret the ramifications of those rules and regulations.  Any
soldier who honestly attempts to read that list finds himself less certain as to what those rules are
than he was before he made that foolish attempt.
       It is virtually impossible to prevent the misuse of weapons when they are given to large
numbers of people, especially under conditions of danger from attack.  But it is an outright crime
to place the very lives of the recipients of those weapons in danger by making them feel that any
use of that weapon is likely to result in their arrest and imprisonment.
       While Jewish Law is very clear on this matter, (If someone comes to kill you, rise up
and kill him first), common sense would seem to dictate the same response.  Yet the Law of
CooCoo Land dictates that the enemy has the right to try and kill you first.  Only after he makes it
clear that his intention is to murder you, and only if he is actively engaged in that attempt, are you
permitted to shoot him.  If you are uncertain, you must wait and see.
       A few years ago a special anti-terrorist policeman followed those rules to a tee.  After
cornering an Arab who had just murdered three civilians, including a girl soldier, he fired his gun
in the air; he then shot his attacker in both legs and then he waited to see if his life was still in
danger.  It was.  The Arab plunged a knife into his chest killing him.  If this can happen to our best
trained specialists in fighting terrorists, what hope is there for us normal folk?
       I just heard a report on the news of a crew from the telephone company which was on
its way to the settlement of Tekoa in the Judean Hills when it was attacked by Arab stone
throwers.  The driver of the truck was seriously injured and the passengers got out and shot in the
air!
       How is it that we accept the concept of issuing a "warning" to those who come to
murder us?  Is it reasonable to calmly tell a potential murderer who has a gun, knife or rock in his
hand with which he clearly is trying to kill you, that if he doesn't immediately desist from his
unacceptable behavior you will shoot him?
       Are we raving lunatics?  Would you reason with a mountain lion as he pounces upon
you?  There is no morality in the world which can possibly justify the required concern for the
safety and well being of one who comes to murder you.  
       A Jewish soldier or civilian who either shoots in the air or runs away when he is being
stoned by Arabs, is effectively rewarding and encouraging the act of stoning Jews, thus
endangering the lives of other Jews.  
       Regardless of rules or their possible consequences it is the obligation of every Jew to
forget those rules when his life, or the life of a fellow Jew, is in danger and shoot to kill any Arab
who comes to kill Jews.  That is genuine Judaism.