Until the 20th century, most wars saw armies in uniforms facing each other with clear rules of engagement. Guerilla warfare, civilian casualties far behind the front lines, the lack of clear front lines at all, asymmetrical conflicts between terrorists and first world armies: can the laws of war handle 21st century conflicts? The struggle between Israel and Hamas highlights these issues for our deliberation.
Rabbi Adam Chalom, Rabbi of Kol Hadash Humanistic Congregation (www.kolhadash.com) and Dean for North America of the International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism (www.iishj.org) shares his thoughts.