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Jewish Law on Rioting

I was wondering what Jewish Law had to offer on rioting? My question is if someone participated in a riot and is contemplating whether to turn himself in or not, what would Jewish Law have to offer on that?

Answer:

Rioting, in the violent sense of the word, is strictly prohibited under Jewish law. Riots often involve indiscriminate violence, damage to property and even injuries, a wilfull lack of self control.

Judaism, including many halachic tenets, stresses the importance of maintaining self control at all times (many write that drunknness is forbidden because of the lack of self control that it involves). Certainly, rioting, which can involve wanton destruction, will be forbidden.

If a person caused concrete damage while rioting, he is responsible for his actions. This does not necessarily mean he has to “turn himself in” (this will depend on what exactly he did) but he must take full responsibility for his actions and ensure that any damage he perpetrated is repaired and compensated for.

Best wishes.

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