134 Selected Responsa
simulate idol worship in order to save his life(4Azei Levonah Yoreh Deah 179; Turei Zahav Yoreh Deah 179; Shulhan Arukh Yoreh Deah 157.1).
In the period of the Holocaust and the Expulsion from Spain, the identification of Jews and their persecution was a matter of government policy. In 1492, the authorities demanded conversion to Christianity . During the Holocaust everyone of Jewish descent, even Christians , were to be slain. Those conditions were very different from a temporary act of terrorism.
Terrorists usually do not hold their hostages beyond a brief specified period. Furthermore, such terrorists are not interested in bringing about a change in religion, but want to use Jewish hostages for whatever leverage can be exercised through them upon Israel . It is the duty of the remainder of the Jewish community to obtain the freedom of captives whenever this does not endanger the community itself(B. 8b; Yad Hil. Matnat Aniyim 8.10; Shulhan Arukh Yoreh Deah 252). One great medieval hostage, Meir of Rothenburg , forbade payment of any ransom after he had been taken captive in the thirteenth century as he felt that this would hurt the community and set a bad precedent (Graetz, Geschichte der Juden Vol. VII, pp. 173 f; 423 f). In the case of modern hijacking by terrorists potential hostages can help Israel to avoid blackmail and guard themselves from additional danger by hiding their Jewish identity.
It would, therefore, be appropriate for children and adults, if taken hostage by terrorists, to conceal their Jewish identity first through passive acts and then through any other way which is possible.
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