Rabbi Dr. Rifat Sonsino
Sept.1, 2019
In the last few months a number of mass killings have taken
place in the US by unstable people using their guns for hateful purposes. And
now I read that Texas, where the latest tragedy took place, has new laws easing
the restrictions on carrying guns. This is crazy! It looks like the USA, one of
the most powerful countries in the world, is or appears to becoming one of the
most violent one.
I have lived and traveled in many parts of the world where
the use of guns by individuals is prohibited by law. However, in the US, the right to bear arms is
protected by the second amendment to the Constitution, but this was done for self-defense
purposes. I understand the importance of self-defense. Even the ancient Rabbis (based
on Ex.21:1) taught that “if someone comes to kill you, kill him first” (Ber.58a;
Yoma 85b; Sanh. 72a). The Quran, too, states that “To those against whom war is
made, permission is given (to fight), for they have been oppressed” (22:29). But
I don’t understand the use of assault guns/semi-automatic rifles, even in cases
of self-defense. No one, except the
military and/or the police, needs these guns.
We must ban assault guns/semi-automatic rifles now, even if
it means to confront the powerful gun lobby in our country. Too many people,
innocent people, are dying for the actions of a few crazy individuals. I am
afraid, however, that nothing will happen until an even greater tragedy will
occur, and then there will be a public outcry.
Why wait? We can avoid further public tragedies and act NOW.
What do you think?
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