The Raelian Movement condemns the introduction of the death penalty in Israel and recalls the Sixth Commandment “THOU SHALT NOT KILL”
Paris, April 15, 2026 — The Raelian Movement expresses its deep indignation and strongly condemns the adoption, on March 30, 2026, of a law introducing the death penalty for acts of terrorism in Israel. Passed in its final reading by 62 votes to 48, in the presence of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, this measure constitutes a serious violation of the fundamental principle of respect for human life.
“It is profoundly paradoxical that a state defining itself as ‘Jewish’ would adopt a law that contradicts one of the most sacred principles of the Torah: Al Tirtzah—‘Thou shalt not kill,’” stated Léon Mellul, Raelian Grand Rabbi and spokesperson for Mashiach Rael. “This commandment is not merely a moral guideline; it affirms the sacred and inviolable nature of human life. To claim the right to take life in the name of security is to place oneself above this fundamental principle.”
In Jewish tradition, Israel is called to be Or LaGoyim, a light unto the nations. This calling implies greater justice, compassion, and moral responsibility—not privilege. As Mellul emphasizes, “Election has never been a privilege, but a higher moral requirement,” implying greater compassion, never greater violence.
The Talmud itself teaches that a Sanhedrin that issued a death sentence even once in seventy years was considered “murderous.” Mellul notes that this historical reference underscores how the death penalty was meant to remain an almost nonexistent exception—“seventy years, not seventy hours of parliamentary debate”—and not become a political tool.
The Raelian Movement also denounces the discriminatory nature of this law, which applies de facto almost exclusively to Palestinians and extends to territories occupied since 1967, raising serious concerns regarding its compliance with international law. “Seeing political leaders celebrate the introduction of death as an instrument of the state is deeply shocking,” Mellul added.
Beyond legal and political considerations, the Raelian Movement recalls a fundamental truth: humanity forms one single body, of which each human being is a cell. To destroy one life is to weaken the whole. “Even if we were told that one man must be killed to save all humanity, we should never do it. It is precisely by respecting every life that humanity saves itself,” concluded the Grand Rabbi.
The Raelian Movement finally calls on Israeli authorities to reconsider this decision and urges the international community—governments, human rights organizations, and religious institutions—to intensify efforts to abolish the death penalty worldwide.
Léon Mellul
Raelian Grand Rabbi
International Raelian Movement
“It is profoundly paradoxical that a state defining itself as ‘Jewish’ would adopt a law that contradicts one of the most sacred principles of the Torah: Al Tirtzah—‘Thou shalt not kill,’” stated Léon Mellul, Raelian Grand Rabbi and spokesperson for Mashiach Rael. “This commandment is not merely a moral guideline; it affirms the sacred and inviolable nature of human life. To claim the right to take life in the name of security is to place oneself above this fundamental principle.”
In Jewish tradition, Israel is called to be Or LaGoyim, a light unto the nations. This calling implies greater justice, compassion, and moral responsibility—not privilege. As Mellul emphasizes, “Election has never been a privilege, but a higher moral requirement,” implying greater compassion, never greater violence.
The Talmud itself teaches that a Sanhedrin that issued a death sentence even once in seventy years was considered “murderous.” Mellul notes that this historical reference underscores how the death penalty was meant to remain an almost nonexistent exception—“seventy years, not seventy hours of parliamentary debate”—and not become a political tool.
The Raelian Movement also denounces the discriminatory nature of this law, which applies de facto almost exclusively to Palestinians and extends to territories occupied since 1967, raising serious concerns regarding its compliance with international law. “Seeing political leaders celebrate the introduction of death as an instrument of the state is deeply shocking,” Mellul added.
Beyond legal and political considerations, the Raelian Movement recalls a fundamental truth: humanity forms one single body, of which each human being is a cell. To destroy one life is to weaken the whole. “Even if we were told that one man must be killed to save all humanity, we should never do it. It is precisely by respecting every life that humanity saves itself,” concluded the Grand Rabbi.
The Raelian Movement finally calls on Israeli authorities to reconsider this decision and urges the international community—governments, human rights organizations, and religious institutions—to intensify efforts to abolish the death penalty worldwide.
Léon Mellul
Raelian Grand Rabbi
International Raelian Movement
 | Tuesday 14 April 2026 |  |  |