Sephardi Chief Rabbi HaGaon HaRav Moshe Shlomo Amar Shlita addressed the sad events of motzei shabbos, that a man, Moshe Silman, became so despondent regarding his situation that he set himself ablaze during a Tel Aviv social justice rally.

Speaking to Kol Chai Radio, Rav Amar explained that we should not be quick to judge Silman’s actions, citing the extreme situation that led to Moshe’s actions, illness, the loss of parnasa, his home and simply his entire world.

Rav Amar explained that one can reach such a level of despair that one may no longer be thinking clearly, leading to such horrific actions. The rav explains that halacha addresses this, regarding how one may act out of illness, and even a moment of such confusion may chas v’sholom lead to such events.

The rav stated the situation in Eretz Yisrael regarding the social injustice and chareidi draft issues is volatile, warning against the growing hate and the need for mutual respect and dialogue towards reaching a solution and not chas v’sholom additional conflict.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)