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290: TREATING THE
MENTAL ISSUES
OF TERRORIST
MURDERERS

ɳ Question

In light of cases where terrorists who have been sentenced to in-
carceration for extended periods… on account of the murder and
bloodshed of innocent Jews, may Hashem avenge their blood, have
tried to end their lives by committing suicide, the authorities have
ordered that their mental issues be treated and that they be instilled
with motivation to live.

Does our holy Torah obligate me to do this – through counseling
and other forms of psychotherapy – or should I perhaps evade this
assignment, even if it means sacrificing my livelihood? I should point
out that in those cases that I have treated, even those who were saved
after having attempted suicide, I have been one hundred percent suc-
cessful.

Dr. Wolf, Officer of Mental Health for
the Prison Service

ɳ Response

This question touches upon several points:

1. It may be forbidden to help murderers who spill innocent
Jewish blood, for the gemara says in maseches Avodah

Psychotherapy for Terrorists 2 491