Prominent Rabbi Condemns Halachic Ruling Permitting Olive Harvest on Palestinian Land
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Rabbi Yehuda Gilad has publicly condemned a halachic ruling by Rabbi Dov Lior that permits Jews to harvest olives from Palestinian orchards, deeming it theft. Rabbi Gilad argued that harming others' property is immoral and un-Jewish, regardless of land ownership disputes, and warned of dangerous precedents. He cited Abraham's purchase of the Cave of the Patriarchs as a model for rightful acquisition of land. Gilad distinguished between the perpetrators and the general settler population, advocating for public discourse over legal complaints.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Yehuda Gilad denounced a ruling allowing Jews to harvest olives from Palestinian orchards as theft.
- He argued that harming others' property is immoral and un-Jewish, regardless of land disputes.
- Gilad warned that such actions could set a dangerous precedent for Jewish property abroad.
- He cited Abraham's purchase of the Cave of the Patriarchs as a model for land acquisition.
- Rabbi Gilad distinguished between perpetrators and the broader settler population.
- He advocated for public and educational struggle over criminal complaints against the ruling rabbi.
Rabbi Yehuda Gilad, Rosh Yeshiva of Ma'ale Gilboa and Rabbi of Kibbutz Lavi, has strongly criticized a halachic ruling that permits Jews to harvest olives from Palestinian orchards, even those far from Jewish settlements. He stated that harvesting olives from Arab-owned trees constitutes theft and is forbidden.
In an interview, Rabbi Gilad addressed the ruling by Rabbi Dov Lior, which allows Jews to harvest olives from Palestinian groves, including in areas distant from Jewish communities. Rabbi Gilad clarified that even if there is a halachic dispute regarding land ownership, it does not justify harming others' property. "I think this is a very big distortion," Rabbi Gilad said. "From a moral, human perspective, how can one do such a thing? It is impossible. It is inhuman and not Jewish."
He emphasized that alongside the halachic discussion on land rights, one must also consider obedience to state laws and the moral implications of actions. Rabbi Gilad warned against setting a precedent that could lead to the harm of Jewish property in other countries, citing a hypothetical scenario: "What will happen if tomorrow in Turkey they issue a decision that it is permissible to steal from Jews?"
Referencing the biblical patriarch Abraham's purchase of the Cave of the Patriarchs despite having a promise of the land, Rabbi Gilad argued that this serves as a model for acquiring property. He explained that adherence to morality and justice establishes the Jewish people's right to their land, while harming others' property could undermine it. "If, God forbid, we adopt the moral standards of our neighbors, then we have lost our right to the land," he warned.
While sharply criticizing the ruling, Rabbi Gilad distinguished between those who harm Palestinians and the broader settler population, asserting that the perpetrators are a small minority and most settlers oppose such actions. He also commented on a complaint filed by rabbis against Rabbi Lior, stating he is not involved in that move, advocating instead for public and educational struggle over criminal complaints. He reiterated his condemnation of harming Palestinian property and attempting to justify it through halakha, calling it "unprecedented desecration of God's name" and a "distortion of the Torah," which he described as a Torah of kindness, justice, and righteousness.
