Where is the compassion?

Where is the compassion?

Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein ("Moving heaven and earth", February 20) has zero moral authority to speak on the noble values of the Talmud in our democracy when, not very long ago, on radio he shamelessly championed the unflinching support for the genocide against defenceless and oppressed Palestinians in Gaza.

Thousands of innocent men, women and helpless children were being bombed and showered with white phosphorous, and thousands of buildings destroyed, with hospitals and schools not spared, by the Israeli Defence Force, in their quest to protect the existence of the Jewish state.

Just where are the noble teachings of the Talmud on "compassion", as expounded by the chief rabbi, now? — Abu Hassanain, Fordsburg
Rabbi Goldstein is at pains to explain the Judaic position on taking the life of human beings. What I cannot reconcile with these sentiments is the chief rabbi’s unconditional support for the killings carried out by Israel, using the most modern military weapons, of a people who have been oppressed, dehumanised, denied, terrorised and subjected to the most brutal form of militarisation and ethnic cleansing. Is there no compassion in Judaisim for defenceless mothers, babies and children? —E Qasim, Randburg