Torture

Since the tragic events of September 11th, 2001, the United States has struggled with how to support civil liberties and human rights while ensuring security for its citizens. There has been increasing evidence that some U.S. policies in the War on Terror have led to acts that violate our moral and ethical principles, as well as international legal standards. Jewish law presents some conflicting principles that effect how Jews view torture, but Judaism teaches that everyone, even the prisoner, is created b'tzelem elohim (in the image of God) and is entitled to be treated with dignity and respect.