"Ask the Rabbi" by R. Mermelstein
Dear supporters of the Bill of Rights:
A number of people have written regarding a post in Ask the Rabbi
several years old, "Should Palestinians have RKBA?" as found at http://www.gunownersalliance.com/Rabbi_0004.htm
. They cite the Talmud, tractate Avodah Zara 15b, and Shulchan Aruch
Yoreh De'eh 151:5. In those sources, all addressing laws pertaining to
the interactions of Jews and idolaters in ancient times, it states that
Jews are forbidden to sell weapons to idolaters. On the post at the
above link, they questioned whether the same should apply to
Palestinians and their right to keep and bear arms. The correct
response, from the angle of Palestinians being idolaters, is a definite
'no'. Firstly, in Shulchan Aruch Yoreh De'eh 148:12 the prevalent
opinion is rendered as law that in our day there are no longer any
idolaters that worship idols. The Islamic faith is completely
monotheistic, that is, Moslems believe in One Creator. Thus, the
original ruling is no longer applicable. Second, the original
prohibition of selling weapons to idolaters also applied to suspect
Jews that may use them against their fellow Jews just as there was the
rightful fear that arming idolaters by selling to them weapons would
enable them to harm Jews.
I've never advocated selling arms to terrorists of any stripe or color,
no matter whom the victims may be. Middle Eastern terrorists don't buy
firearms from the Israelis. Most Israelis can't buy guns from the
Israelis. See http://www.gunownersalliance.com/Rabbi_0068.htm
I always appreciate constructive and intelligent feedback from visitors
to the "Ask the Rabbi" column. While time doesn't permit a personal
reply to every email, every email is read. As the sages of the Talmud
stated, "More than I've learned from my teachers I have learned from my
students." If even one person, Jewish or not, has learned anything from
the "Ask the Rabbi" column then my time has not been wasted.
Sincerely,
R. Mermelstein
01 Jun 2000
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