Humanitarian Aid: Is It Really Helpful?

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Published: May 20, 2006

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Rabbi Yaakov Salomon

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Rabbi Yaakov Salomon, C.S.W. is a noted psychotherapist, in private practice in Brooklyn, N.Y. for over 25 years. He is a Senior Lecturer and the Creative Director of Aish Hatorah's Discovery Productions. He is also an editor and author for the Artscroll Publishing Series and a member of the Kollel of Yeshiva Torah Vodaath.

Rabbi Salomon is co-author, with Rabbi Noah Weinberg, of the best selling book "What the Angel Taught You; Seven Keys to Life Fulfillment," (Mesorah), and is also the co-producer of the highly-acclaimed film, "Inspired."

Click here to order Yaakov Salomon's new book, Salomon Says: 50 Stirring and Stimulating Stories.

In these marvelous stories -- brimming with wit, understanding, a touch of irony and a large helping of authentic Torah perspective -- we will walk with a renowned and experienced psychotherapist and popular author through the pathways of contemporary life: its crowded sidewalks, its pedestrian malls, and the occasional dead end street. This is a walk through our lives that will be fun, entertaining -- and eye-opening. In our full -- sometimes overfull -- and complex lives, Yaakov Salomon is a welcome and much-needed voice of sanity and reason.

His speaking, writing and musical talents have delighted audiences from Harvard to Broadway and everything in between. Rabbi Salomon shares his life with his wife, Temmy, and their unpredictable family.

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Visitor Comments: 11

(11) Luis, May 25, 2006 12:00 AM

Trans-Jordanians will reap what they sow . . .

Under the Hamas myopic doctrine of "smite makes right", the Trans-Jordanians will continue to reap what they sow: death, disillusionment and distruction. Such is the heresy of Islam and the apostates that follow it. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

(10) Anonymous, May 23, 2006 12:00 AM

Humanitarian help not help.

I agree! Humanitarian help is no help, most of the time abused, and taken for granted too. All consideration has to be taken into account carefully and wisely if the parties are actually in need of help, emotions aside.

(9) A, May 23, 2006 12:00 AM

who's sorry now?

I hope R. Salomon, that you won't be surprised how many DO agree with you, I hope that number is in the 'millions and millions' - This is not a new topic...
Under the guise of being 'politically correct' and/or 'turning the other cheek', have we not allowed the Yetzer HaRa to gain (lots of) ground?!
Could Aish share with us Torah-Talmud information on this very important self perpetuating problem?

(8) sam, May 21, 2006 12:00 AM

There's no contradiction !!!

Being against the terrorism of Hamas doesn't mean making Palestineans suffer , too !!! Many innocent Palestinean people will suffer due to the lack of humanitarian aids !!! That's absolutely wrong !!!
It's exactly the same mistake which the west made with Iraq . Sanctions against Iraq in 1990 s didn't affect Saddam regime , it only caused millions of Iraqis to suffer....
But when you stop aids to Palestineans you'll cause more of them to hate Israel , and this will not bring peace to the region !!!
I sometimes doubt that the major powers in the world REALLY want peace in the Middle East.....I think they just want the conflict to continue as they see instability in the region helping their interests !!!
People in the Middle East , both Israelis and Arabs : Wake up and stop this stupid blood shed....Believe in peace and your region will be one of the most prosperous regions in the world.....!!!!!!!

(7) Margarita, May 21, 2006 12:00 AM

I agree with you

I agree with you 100%. I always listen to you and your thoughts make me think. I am very grateful to you for putting something to think about for us every week.

(6) Joey, May 21, 2006 12:00 AM

Limited Application

What you say would be right perhaps in this issue, where Hamas was democratically elected, but I'm not sure if it's applicable elsewhere, in third-world nations where leaders are rarely democratically elected, and almost never fairly. In any event, I pray that the whole Israel-Palestine question works out. God bless!

(5) David Witt, May 21, 2006 12:00 AM

I agree with your comments wholeheartedly

Just to add to your comments. I find it strange that succour should be given to people who voted terrorists who espouse the destruction of a people and a country into power on the grounds that the people they voted into power are terrorists. This is like giving clemency to someone who murders his parents on the grounds that he is an orphan. Its nonsense - Hamas did not seize power they were voted in democratically by the people of Palestine. The people voted their choice they should live with it. Charity in this case is tough love. I believe Hashem says it best - measure for measure. If you have no charity and you give no charity how can you get charity.

Thank you for insightful and thought provoking commentary.

Regards

David Witt

(4) Joe Whitehead, May 21, 2006 12:00 AM

I'll go a step further

The Palestinians should never have received a single penny from anybody, especially Israel under the Fatah rule! Every penny given to them is a disgrace to every Israeli that has been murdred by Palestinian terrorist.
Do we feed a rabid dog who is trying to kill us so it can have more enery in its attempt?
If a person really wants to take what is right to the full measure without being paused by what is considered to be politically-incorrect, then the Bible along with Bible methods on dealing with such a Hamas-voting people and the like, gives a crytal clear dipiction on how to rid the promblem. Until the Israeli government has the guts to consider such measures, Jew- killing will continue to be the (insanity) norm.

(3) Genevieve, May 21, 2006 12:00 AM

No, that is not right to me!!!

No, I don't agree, this position shock me. We want children and innocent people to be saved and if only one can be because of humanitarian help, then we'll win over some other's hatress. And just because we won't ever watch people die without action. I want to fight terrorism, it is so shocking and so painful to see people happy after suicide bombing, but not this way, not interrupting humanitarian help...

(2) Caroline, May 21, 2006 12:00 AM

Exactly

Everything you have said is exactly correct.Even with aid, it doesn't help with the Arabs.Hamas is responsible for the peoples needs, not Israel or America.My tax money should not go to terrorists with blood in their hands, period.It is wrong!I pray that Olmert in meeting with President Bush that money will not be lent to expell Jewish families from their homes.Money-for-peace is still not working.I could go on, but I have many emails and faxes that need to be sent to senators, governnors and also President Bush.Thank you for your short video, it is much appreciated!Shalom!

(1) Anonymous, May 21, 2006 12:00 AM

This may be correct for all aid for all in need, everywhere.

Happen to agree with Rabbi Salomom and came to that conclusion while travelling the world. A lot of aid is given with the mistaken belief of helping right the worlds wrongs and with no recognition of the fact that he who gives may also have the responsability to demand - demand that the recipiant governments also give and take responsability for aid.

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Humanitarian Aid: Is It Really Helpful?

Helping those in need may not always be right (2 min.)

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