LEV501 [This verse] is interpreted by the Rabbis to mean that if one has information that can benefit his neighbor in a lawsuit, he is obligated to testify even though it may involve great risk or inconvenience. And if one sees a man drowning or being attacked by robbers or beasts, or being pursued by a murderer, he is bound to come to his aid even at great risk to his own possessions or to his life and limb. Sanhedrin 73a Though the Rabbis taught that one must be prepared to risk one's life in behalf of an endangered fellow man, they do not teach, as Jesus is said to have taught, that the ultimate test of friendship is "that a man lay down his life for his friends (John 15:12-13). Interpreter's Bible, where in the notes to 15:13-17, the same sentiment is attributed to Buddha.