Must One Ask Forgiveness from a Gentile Whom He Offended?
Question:
If a person offended a gentile, must he ask him for forgiveness before Yom Kippur just as he would be required to do if he offended a fellow Jew?
Answer:
This is a somewhat complex question and depends on the nature of the offense.
If one transgressed a prohibition against the gentile, such as stealing from him, damaging his property, deceiving him, or otherwise wronging him in a manner forbidden by the Torah, then logic dictates that he must seek forgiveness and make amends. There is no reason to distinguish between a Jew and a gentile regarding the need to rectify wrongdoing committed against another person. The general obligation to seek forgiveness from those whom one harmed applies here as well.
However, some Poskim rule that the specific prohibition of Onaas Devarim does not technically apply to gentiles. According to this view, one could theoretically offend a gentile without violating this particular prohibition. Nevertheless, even those authorities do not suggest that one is permitted or encouraged to insult, embarrass, or hurt a gentile. They merely limit the scope of this specific prohibition.
Practically, it is difficult to accept that the Torah, which emphasizes justice, peace, kindness, Kiddush Hashem, and proper conduct toward all people, would condone causing pain to others and then ignoring the consequences. Indeed, several contemporary Rabbanim explicitly write that one should ask forgiveness from a gentile whom he offended, both because every human being is created in the image of G-d and because of additional considerations such as Kiddush Hashem and Darchei Shalom.
Furthermore, beyond the technical legal discussion, there is tremendous value in removing resentment and ill feelings that others may harbor. The Torah repeatedly encourages the pursuit of peace, and Chazal instituted many enactments to promote peaceful relations even with gentiles.
Conclusion:
Whether one is strictly obligated to ask forgiveness from a gentile may depend on the nature of the offense and whether a Torah prohibition was violated. Nevertheless, as a practical matter, if one has offended a gentile it is certainly proper and advisable to seek forgiveness, both because it is the upright and moral thing to do and because of the values of Kiddush Hashem, Darchei Shalom, and basic human decency.
Sources:
Mayan Omer 6:33; Admur 606:1-3; C.M. Onah Halacha 27; Implication of Michaber C.M. 227:26 and 228:1 that just as the monetary laws of Onah do not apply towards a gentile, so too the prohibition of Onas Devarim; Implication of Chinuch Mitzvah 338 “Not to oppress a Jew with words”; Bach C.M. 228:6; Pirush of Rav Perlow on Rasag L.S. 82 in understanding of Rambam; Shevilei David 8