Who is Rabbi Yisroel Dovid Weiss?

Rabbi Yisroel Dovid Weiss is an Orthodox Jewish rabbi known internationally for his vocal opposition to Zionism and his role as a spokesperson for Neturei Karta, a small but prominent Jewish group that opposes the State of Israel and its ideology. His outspoken views have sparked both admiration and criticism within Jewish and non-Jewish communities alike. This article explores Weiss's background, beliefs, and the historical and ideological roots of his anti-Zionist stance.

Early Life and Background

Rabbi Weiss was born in 1956 in the United States, into a family with strong Jewish faith and roots in Eastern European Orthodox Judaism. Raised in a devoutly religious home, Weiss grew up with a traditional Jewish education, focusing on the Torah, Talmud, and classical Jewish law. He was heavily influenced by his grandfather, Rabbi Blazer Breuer, who was an active anti-Zionist, as well as by his involvement with the Satmar Hasidic community.

The Satmar movement, originating in Hungary and now largely based in the United States and Israel, is a major Hasidic group that strictly adheres to anti-Zionist beliefs, following the teachings of Rabbi Joel Teitelbaum, who argued that the creation of a Jewish state before the arrival of the Messiah goes against Jewish law. Weiss’s beliefs reflect these teachings, which have led him to become a prominent figure in the Neturei Karta.

Neturei Karta and Anti-Zionism

Neturei Karta, meaning "Guardians of the City" in Aramaic, was founded in 1938 in Jerusalem. It is an ultra-Orthodox Jewish group that believes that Judaism is incompatible with the establishment of a Jewish state before the coming of the Messiah. This position is grounded in interpretations of Jewish texts and historical Jewish beliefs. Central to their theology is the idea that Jewish people are forbidden by divine decree to establish a sovereign state in the Holy Land without God’s intervention. In their view, the establishment of Israel in 1948 violated this divine commandment and, as a result, is considered illegitimate.

Rabbi Weiss has dedicated much of his life to advocating for this viewpoint. He frequently asserts that Zionism, the political movement advocating for the establishment and support of a Jewish state, is a secular nationalist ideology that deviates from the principles of traditional Judaism. He and other members of Neturei Karta argue that Jewish exile from the Holy Land, which began with the Roman conquest and destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, was a divine punishment. Thus, any attempt to end that exile through political or military means, rather than by waiting for the Messiah, is considered a grave sin.

Core Beliefs and Arguments Against Zionism

Rabbi Weiss's anti-Zionist stance is based on several core arguments. Firstly, he distinguishes between the Jewish people as a religious community and Zionism as a political ideology. He believes that Zionism attempts to replace religious identity with a national one, diluting the religious essence of Judaism. According to Weiss, Zionism distorts Jewish identity by substituting the universal religious message of Judaism with a nationalist agenda that is focused on territorial sovereignty and military power.

Another central aspect of Weiss’s ideology is his argument that the State of Israel has caused harm to Jewish people and endangered them worldwide. He argues that Israel’s policies in the Middle East and its military actions against Palestinians are a cause of resentment and hostility, creating danger for Jews who might otherwise live peacefully among non-Jews. In his view, Zionism is the root cause of anti-Semitism in modern times, rather than a solution to it, as Zionists claim.

Weiss and his fellow Neturei Karta members are also strong proponents of pacifism, stressing that Jews are meant to seek peace and humility in exile. He maintains that any political or military actions to assert Jewish control over the Holy Land are a direct contradiction of the Jewish obligation to remain in a state of peaceful exile until divine redemption. This theological argument is often difficult for secular observers to grasp, but it underscores the profound theological nature of his objections to Zionism.

Public Appearances and Controversies

Rabbi Weiss is no stranger to controversy. He has been a vocal presence at numerous international events, often aligning himself with figures and groups opposed to Israel. In 2006, he attended the International Conference to Review the Global Vision of the Holocaust in Tehran, Iran, hosted by then-President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, a well-known Holocaust denier. His attendance at this conference provoked widespread criticism from the Jewish community and beyond, as it appeared to lend credibility to a gathering that many perceived as an attempt to question or diminish the horrors of the Holocaust.

Weiss defended his attendance by arguing that his purpose was to explain the Jewish perspective on Zionism and clarify that, in his view, the actions of Israel do not represent Jewish values. His stance was that attending the conference provided a platform to denounce Zionism and the State of Israel as incompatible with Jewish religious beliefs, even though many found the context problematic.

He has also made headlines by participating in pro-Palestinian events, including protests and rallies calling for an end to Israeli policies in Gaza and the West Bank. His vocal opposition to Israel’s military actions has led him to be criticized as being anti-Israel and even anti-Semitic by some. However, Rabbi Weiss insists that his actions are guided purely by his religious beliefs and by the desire to uphold what he sees as authentic Judaism.

Criticisms and Reactions from the Jewish Community

While Rabbi Weiss’s anti-Zionist views resonate with certain ultra-Orthodox Jewish groups, he has faced significant backlash from the broader Jewish community, especially from those who support Israel or consider Zionism a fundamental part of modern Jewish identity. Many see his association with anti-Israel figures and his appearances at contentious international events as damaging to the image of Judaism and potentially contributing to anti-Semitic narratives.

Moreover, mainstream Jewish organizations often argue that Rabbi Weiss’s views are out of touch with the realities of modern anti-Semitism and the need for a Jewish homeland. For most Jewish groups worldwide, the State of Israel represents a place of refuge and a response to historical injustices, including the Holocaust. Rabbi Weiss, however, remains unmoved by these arguments, believing that the state’s existence remains incompatible with Jewish teachings and that its policies endanger Jews rather than protect them.

Conclusion: A Controversial Figure in the Jewish World

Rabbi Yisroel Dovid Weiss stands as a deeply polarizing figure in the Jewish world. To his supporters, he is a principled defender of authentic Judaism, courageously speaking out against what he sees as the dangers of Zionism and the political exploitation of Jewish identity. To his critics, he is a fringe figure whose actions are harmful to the Jewish community and whose beliefs ignore the historical realities that led to the establishment of the State of Israel.

Regardless of where one stands, Rabbi Weiss’s dedication to his beliefs and his commitment to speaking out against Zionism have made him one of the most recognizable voices in the anti-Zionist movement within Judaism. His life and work raise important questions about the relationship between religion and politics, the nature of Jewish identity, and the diverse perspectives within the Jewish world on Israel and Zionism. For Rabbi Weiss, being Jewish means adhering strictly to the teachings of the Torah and waiting for divine redemption—regardless of modern political pressures or popular sentiment.