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QUESTION: Is it permissible to deny our identity as Jews if we find ourselves in a life threatening situation caused by terrorists? This question has been prompted by the events surrounding the highjacking of the Achille Lauro by terrorists. What should we do if we find ourselves in such a situation? Should we instruct our children to conceal their Jewish identity under such circumstances?(Rabbi S. Priesand, Tinton Falls, NJ )
ANSWER: It is a clear statement of Jewish tradition that one must give up one’s life rather than violate three prohibitions. They are idolatry, incest and killing another person(San. 60 ff; A.Z. 43b, 34a; Ket. 33b; Shab. 149a; Sefer Hazmitvot Lo Ta-aseh#2 ff, 10 and 14; Shulhan Arukh Yoreh Deah 157.1). Unfortunately, this question has arisen many times, and there is considerable
literature on the subject. Frequently in the Middle Ages Jews were threatened with death unless they accepted Christianity or Islam. (A good summary of the literature is provided by H.J. Zimmel’s Die Marranen in der Rabbinischen Literatur). Many from the time of the Crusaders onward became martyrs under those circumstances.
Many from the time of the Crusaders onward became Martyrs under those circumstances. Other simulated an acceptance of Christianity or Islam while they privately remained Jews and escaped when that possibility arose(W. Jacob,“Status of Children,” American Reform Responsa,#145). Such individuals who publicly proclaimed another religion, but Privately remained Jews , were to be considered Jews in most ways even though lehat-hilah, another course of action was Mandated(Shulhan Arukh Yoreh Deah 119.12; Orah Hayim 128.37 Even Haezer 42.5). These were the decisions of the Shulhan Arukh. Earlier opinions varied according to:(a) the danger presented by such apostasy to the Jewish community;(b)