However many frum media outlets got caught up in what the NY Post was trying to do and that is divert the story and turn it into something else. Instead of focusing on the tragedy- the discussion changed to calls for introspection on our business practices, antisemitism and other topics. The NY Prust took a murder and turned into a blame the victim story. Setting a narrative as if his business practices have led to this murder. (Most of those bloggers making these accusations have apparently never worked a day in their life or have absolutely no understanding of the real estate industry.)
Many editorials by responding and reacting, have fallen into the trap the NY Post has set. "Dont blame an entire community for the business practices of a few" wrote one editorial. Is that saying, you agree that the individual deserved what was coming to him R'L???? have we lost our senses. This tragedy should not be used to teach lessons in morality. Nothing in the world can justify or explain what transpired, all we can do is weep and feel along the tzaar of this mishpacha. May Hashem grant them koach to pull through during this difficult time. המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים
While there is much truth in what you are saying, and while I know nothng about this particular case and what I am writing here is not connected with it, we certainly are aware of the concept of "hillul Hashem". For better or worse, and whether we like it or not, individual transgressions frequently rebound on the entire community, particularly when the community stands out in public with distinctive modes of dress and customs. The Talmud says that a talmid hacham who has a stain on his garment is "chayav mittah"...the implication is that they are held to a much higher standard than the rest of the public and thus must be extra careful in their behavior.
ReplyDeleteThe fact of the matter is that there is much dormant antisemitism present and the "political correctness" that existed for decades after the Second World War which made expressing antisemitic sentiments forbidden has now ended (look at the controversy in France over whether Dieudonne has the "right" to make viciously anti-Jewish comments and Nazi-style salutes in the name of "freedom of speech"). Thus, it is incumbent on Jewish communities to constantly emphasize the need for impeccable business ethics and relations with non-Jews and non-religious Jews, because even if it unfair to blame an entire community for the possible misdeeds of an individual, the fact is that it does happen and those who cause these problems must be made aware of the damage they are doing to the community they belong to.
I would add on to Y. Ben-David's comment and say that traditionally the halacha considered as rodfim and mosrim people who enagaged in financial malfeasance which was likely to bring the wrath of the goyim on the entire community.
ReplyDeletepeople who engaged in forbidden financial practices which would bring about pogroms or extortionate taxation on the entire kehilla were put in cherem or even turned over to the authorities (i.e. their financial misdeeds were considered mesirah - not the act of turning them over to the authorities)
sheygez bliebt sheygez.
ReplyDelete