letter from Rav Moshe to Menachim Begin

http://pikuachnefesh.net/?p=435&lang=en

Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, President

Copy of a letter sent by Hagaon Rav Moshe Feinstein of blessed memory to former Israeli prime

minister Menachem Begin, 13 Kislev 5738 (Nov. 23, 1977):

In wake of the situation created by the visit of the President of Egypt whose address raised

the issue of territories, thus placing the topic of territorial withdrawal on the agenda, there are

two opposing views. One sees withdrawal from some territories as a condition for the survival

of the state, while others warn that withdrawal from any of the territories endangers its very

survival. This problem is a very complicated and dangerous for it is a matter of life or death for

tens of thousands of people in Israel and it is difficult to express a concrete and decisive opinion.

We only wish to point out that when deliberating such a question, our holy Torah directs that

any decision made in this fateful matter must take into account the opinion of the experts, the

military personnel who are privy to all military secrets and all dangers and predicaments that are

liable to occur after any decision. The Law is clearly stated in Shulchan Oruch, the Code of Jewish

Law, that when one is confronted with a question of Pikuach Nefesh (life or death) one must

consult the experts. Likewise in the matter of relinquishing territories one must follow the

opinion of the most significant experts.

We trust that with your wisdom and earnestness you yourself will know how careful to be in the

final decision. We wish you great success, and may G-d Almighty guard Eretz Israel and her

borders.

Respectfully,

The Union of Orthodox Rabbis of U.S.A. and Canada

Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, President