Saturday, January 01, 2005

What is the Correct Jewish Response to the Asian Tsunami?

It isn't that clear-cut, as most of the communities affected seem to be pagan or muslim. Should a torah-conscious Jew:
a. give charity directed towards these communities, even though they be filled with worshipers of cows (creatures we slaughter in Postville, Iowa for our culinary satisfaction) or muslims (slaughterers of our own children in Israel and elsewhere)?
b. donate the money to other charitable entities that will use it to help these people, but which are not in the hands of hindus, animists, or muslims?
c. calculate the money he is tempted to donate to those people, and instead give it to fellow Jews who may be poor?

I invite reasoned responses both from Torah-true Jews and gay marriage supporting, feminist-friendly blue state Americans. Just remember, we are all in this together.