Neturei Karta, which translates from Aramaic as “Guardians of the City,” is a group of Orthodox Jews whose anti-Zionist views have placed them on the fringe of the Jewish world. Unlike other groups within Judaism, Neturei Karta opposes the State of Israel’s very existence, arguing that it contravenes fundamental Jewish teachings and messianic beliefs. Formed in Jerusalem in the early 20th century, this group considers Zionism—a movement to establish and support a Jewish homeland in what is now Israel—to be incompatible with Judaism itself. This article explores the origins, beliefs, and controversies surrounding Neturei Karta, revealing the complexities of its position within both the Jewish world and the broader geopolitical landscape.
Origins and Founding of Neturei Karta
Neturei Karta was founded in 1938 in Jerusalem by Rabbi Amram Blau and a group of ultra-Orthodox Jewish leaders who vehemently opposed the growing Zionist movement. At that time, the Zionist vision of a Jewish state was gaining momentum, culminating in the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. But for Neturei Karta and certain other Orthodox groups, this secular-driven vision of Jewish nationalism was profoundly troubling.
Historically, the Jews in the region lived as part of the broader religious and ethnic tapestry of the Middle East. The group took issue with the Zionists’ secular approach and the idea of a state for the Jewish people prior to the coming of the Jewish messiah, as their reading of Jewish texts prohibited Jews from establishing their own sovereign state before the arrival of the messianic era. They view Zionism as a rebellion against God's will, as it attempts to force the redemption of the Jewish people outside of divine timing.
Core Beliefs of Neturei Karta
Neturei Karta’s beliefs are deeply rooted in traditional Jewish teachings, particularly the Talmud, which, according to their interpretation, forbids Jews from forcibly establishing a state in the Holy Land. The core of Neturei Karta’s ideology is based on three oaths found in the Talmud (Ketubot 111a):
- Jews must not ascend “as a wall,” meaning they should not return en masse to the Land of Israel by force.
- Jews must not “rebel against the nations,” meaning they should accept the rule of other nations until the coming of the messiah.
- The nations should not persecute Jews excessively.
In Neturei Karta’s view, Zionism violates these oaths by forcibly establishing a Jewish state and asserting Jewish nationalism in a way that disrupts the divinely ordained waiting period before the messianic redemption. They argue that Zionism’s secular nationalism is fundamentally incompatible with the Jewish faith, as Judaism is a religion focused on spiritual adherence to the Torah rather than a nationalist identity based on ethnicity or land. Neturei Karta believes that Jewish people have historically lived peacefully with other nations, and they view Zionism’s approach as exacerbating anti-Semitism and leading to unnecessary conflicts.
Political Activities and Controversial Stances
Neturei Karta’s anti-Zionist stance has not only set them apart from most Jewish communities but has also placed them in alignment with certain groups and leaders critical of Israel. They have garnered considerable controversy for their willingness to engage in political alliances that many view as extreme or anti-Semitic. For example, Neturei Karta representatives have attended conferences in Iran, including those organized by figures hostile to Israel, like former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. This willingness to engage with Israel’s adversaries has sparked outrage from within the Jewish community and beyond, as their actions are often perceived as lending credibility to anti-Israel rhetoric on the world stage.
One of the most contentious moments for Neturei Karta came in 2006, when members attended the International Holocaust Conference in Tehran, a forum that many saw as promoting Holocaust denial. While Neturei Karta members at the conference affirmed their belief in the Holocaust’s historical reality, their presence was interpreted as aligning with anti-Semitic figures and denying Israel’s legitimacy. Neturei Karta has repeatedly stated that its actions are not intended to delegitimize Jewish suffering but rather to oppose Israel’s statehood and the Zionist movement.
Relations with Other Jewish Groups
Neturei Karta’s extreme anti-Zionism places them in stark contrast with most Jewish communities worldwide, including many within the ultra-Orthodox sector. While other ultra-Orthodox groups may share some theological objections to secular Zionism, Neturei Karta’s active political opposition and alliances with Israel’s adversaries are seen as divisive. In fact, most ultra-Orthodox groups in Israel and abroad, such as Agudath Israel and Satmar Hasidim, maintain a policy of non-involvement with the Israeli government, yet they do not engage with hostile anti-Israel rhetoric or participate in anti-Israel demonstrations to the extent that Neturei Karta does.
Neturei Karta’s position is unique within the Jewish world, as they not only reject the legitimacy of the State of Israel but also actively protest against it, sometimes alongside pro-Palestinian and other anti-Israel groups. These demonstrations, held on significant dates like Israel’s Independence Day, underscore their ideological stance, yet they alienate them from other Jewish factions, including those that might share their religious objections to Zionism. For most Jews, Israel is either a cherished homeland or, at the very least, a place of safety and refuge. By contrast, Neturei Karta regards it as a spiritual and theological deviation from true Judaism.
The Impact of Neturei Karta’s Anti-Zionism
Neturei Karta’s anti-Zionism has far-reaching implications, not only within Israel but also in Jewish communities around the world. Many Jewish leaders view their outspoken anti-Zionism as harmful, believing it gives ammunition to Israel’s detractors and fuels misunderstandings about Jewish identity. This small but vocal group has become a media sensation, frequently featured in news stories about Jewish dissent against Israel, which can create confusion among outsiders regarding Jewish views on Israel.
Neturei Karta’s activism has also highlighted the complex relationship between Judaism and nationalism, a subject that often sparks debate within Jewish communities. Their stance challenges assumptions about the unity of the Jewish people on the topic of Israel, demonstrating that the connection between Jewish identity and the State of Israel is more varied than many might assume. Neturei Karta’s existence raises questions about the role of faith in political matters and the spectrum of religious perspectives on Israel.
Criticism and Controversies
For many, Neturei Karta’s willingness to associate with figures and groups that openly oppose Israel—and even Jewish existence—crosses a line. While they maintain that their intentions are rooted in religious convictions rather than political hostility, their actions frequently draw accusations of treachery from fellow Jews. Criticisms of Neturei Karta often center on their apparent disregard for the safety and wellbeing of Jewish people in Israel, where threats are a daily reality. Many Jewish organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League and various rabbinical councils, have denounced Neturei Karta for what they see as irresponsible and dangerous actions that exacerbate tensions.
Conclusion: The Complex Legacy of Neturei Karta
Neturei Karta’s anti-Zionist stance makes them one of the most contentious groups within the Jewish world. They represent a reminder that Jewish identity, faith, and politics are deeply nuanced, with diverse perspectives even on the most fundamental issues. For Neturei Karta, opposition to Zionism is not merely a political stance but a deeply religious imperative, one that places them at odds with the mainstream Jewish community.
The group’s dedication to its beliefs, even in the face of widespread condemnation, underscores the complexities of Jewish thought on Zionism, Israel, and the interplay between faith and statehood. As long as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict endures, Neturei Karta’s controversial voice will likely remain a provocative, if marginalized, part of the discourse, challenging the assumptions and beliefs that have come to define the relationship between Jews, Judaism, and the State of Israel. Their steadfast stance serves as a reminder that within any community, there exists a wide range of voices—some of which are willing to defy even the most deeply held societal norms in pursuit of their convictions.
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