Halachic Debate Erupts Over Non-Jewish Leadership Roles in Israel
A religious discussion has emerged in Israel concerning the permissibility of non-Jews holding positions of authority, sparked by the public profile of Joseph Haddad, a non-Jewish individual who has served in the IDF and actively advocates for Israel globally. Rabbis Ro'i Zaga and Boaz Malt are leading this discussion, citing the Torah prohibition "You shall not place over yourself a stranger" and exploring its contemporary relevance.
Haddad's positive contributions to Israel, including his military service and advocacy, have prompted a basic sense of gratitude, yet this has intensified the need to address the Torah's explicit prohibition against non-Jews holding positions of power over Israelis. This prohibition, according to rabbinic interpretation, stems from the belief that only a Jew with appropriate lineage can hold such authority.
The article draws parallels to historical and contemporary situations, such as the police force on the Temple Mount, where officers from the relevant population group are preferred for better understanding and sensitivity. Similarly, in legal matters, judges and officers are expected to understand the cultural nuances of those they govern. The reasoning suggests that leaders are more effective when they are "one of them," possessing inherent cultural and potentially spiritual understanding.
A deeper theological argument posits that leadership requires specific traits, like compassion, inherited from the Patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The article contends that non-Jews may lack this inherited trait, which is crucial for leading the Jewish people, who, by their nature, require compassionate leadership. This lack of compassion, it is argued, could lead to suffering under non-Jewish rule.
Furthermore, the concept of divine sovereignty is central to the discussion. Positions of authority in Israel are seen as reflections of God's rule. A non-Jew, not being part of the "congregation of Israel," cannot adequately reflect this divine sovereignty. The article also addresses the idea of Israel being an "or lagoyim" (a light unto the nations), arguing that this means teaching other nations God's ways, not adopting their customs to appear favorable. True leadership, according to this view, requires Israel to be spiritually superior, leading to the fulfillment of prophecies where other nations learn from Israel.
