During the Olympic Games in Atlanta, on July 27, 1996, a security guard named Richard Jewell noticed a suspicious bag. He quickly alerted security forces and began evacuating people from the area. Shortly after, an explosion rocked the entire vicinity. A bomb hidden in the bag had detonated. Two people were killed and over a hundred others were injured. However, thanks to Jewell's swift action, many were saved from injury and even death.
The media hailed Jewell as a hero. He was interviewed by numerous news outlets, and articles were written covering the incident. Everything seemed rosy until... a few days later, the FBI raised suspicions, based on a "psychological profile," suggesting that Jewell himself might have planted the bomb to become a hero and gain fame.
The fact that he found the bomb so quickly seemed suspicious to investigators. The media latched onto this idea and began portraying Jewell as the prime suspect. Jewell's life was turned upside down. He underwent lengthy interrogations, his personal life was invasively scrutinized by the media, and he went from "national hero" to a vilified public figure in just a matter of days.
After three months of intense investigation, the FBI failed to present evidence proving Jewell's involvement in the attack, and he was cleared of all suspicion. His name was exonerated, but the damage done by the media was immense.
It wasn't until 2003 that the true culprit was identified as Eric Robert Rudolph, an American terrorist who had carried out several other attacks. Rudolph was captured, confessed to his crimes, and sentenced to life in prison.
Four years later, at the age of 44, Jewell passed away due to health issues, some of which stemmed from the tremendous stress he endured following the events.
This week's Torah portion teaches us: "Judges and officers shall you appoint for yourself..." Each of us, to some extent, is a judge and an officer. That's why it's written in the singular form, "for yourself." Don't be quick to pass judgment on others. Always consider: Do I have all the facts? Have I truly investigated the truth or given the other side a chance to explain themselves? Our sages teach us to: "Judge every person favorably." Think about how you would want others to treat you and treat others the same way.
Shabbat Shalom.Rav Yitzchak Fanger
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