Jews for Palestine: Anti-Zionist Orthodox Jews opposed to genocide face suppression

By Alireza Akbari

Israeli police have detained Rabbi Abraham Katz, a prominent anti-Zionist figure from New York, for over two months under a non-departure order, demonstrating the Benjamin Netanyahu regime's hostility toward everyone opposed to their genocidal war crimes. 

Rabbi Katz, a citizen of both the United States and Canada, has been languishing behind bars for his pro-Palestine and anti-genocide activism in the occupied Palestinian territories. 

Many prominent Jewish organizations around the world have urged the US and Canadian governments to intervene and pressure the Tel Aviv regime to release Rabbi Katz.

Anti-Zionist Orthodox Jews held a protest outside the Israeli consulate in New York City on November 25, demanding his release and also an end to the Israeli regime's genocidal war against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where the death toll has surged close to 44,700 people.

Protesters displayed signs that read, “Jews in Exile are FORBIDDEN to create a sovereign state, kill, steal, or occupy," as well as "Rabbi Katz is arrested for opposing Zionist Rabbinate ruling."

“Israel Hates Authentic Jews. That’s Anti-Semitism,” read one of the banners displayed during the protest, underscoring the conviction among Orthodox Jews that the Israeli regime’s policies are in stark opposition to Jewish core values and religious teachings.

On November 21, Israeli police arrested another Jewish rabbi, prompting a confrontation with members of the Jewish community who attempted to resist the arrest.

Alongside these arrests, synagogues affiliated with the anti-Zionist Jewish community have also faced violence. A synagogue in Beit Shemesh, for instance, was demolished by an Israeli bulldozer.

These aggressive actions by the Israeli regime have sparked opposition from Orthodox Jewish groups, particularly factions such as Neturei Karta, resulting in frequent clashes with security agencies.

The Netanyahu regime is under fire from the Orthodox Jewish community for aggressively pushing the hate-driven Zionist ideology, especially since October 7 last year, weaponizing it against Palestinians.

During this period, members of the Orthodox community have participated in several gatherings and pro-Palestinian protests inside and outside the occupied territories, condemning the genocidal actions.

Orthodox Jews, referred to as Torah Jews, adhere to traditional interpretations and practices of Judaism based on the Torah and the Talmud, striving to live according to Halakha, or Jewish law, as interpreted by rabbinic authorities over centuries.

Within the Orthodox community, there exists a faction of anti-Zionist Haredi Jews who believe that the establishment of a so-called "Jewish state" should be postponed until the coming of the Messiah.

In stark contrast to the Israeli regime’s agenda, which advocates further occupation of the region, these Orthodox Jews hold that they are in “exile” with no right to govern any territory.

Recent statements by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, suggesting a gradual implementation of the ideology of “Greater Israel,” have only intensified these tensions.

This was exemplified by a viral video showing Jews in the Mea Shearim neighborhood of occupied Al Quds burning an Israeli flag and an image of Theodor Herzl, the founder of “modern Zionism.”

Theodor Herzl, the father of modern political Zionism, envisioned the establishment of this "Jewish state." However, it has faced significant opposition from segments of the Orthodox Jewish community.

Amid the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza, Rabbi Elhanan Beck participated in a pro-Palestinian gathering, holding a Palestinian flag and calling for unity between Muslims and Jews on the issue of Palestine.

“Jews and Muslims, all people standing shoulder to shoulder for a free Palestine. We demand the end of this genocide,” he told the crowd of pro-Palestinian protesters.

Rabbi Beck also addressed the concept of land and the Jewish experience of exile.

“According to Jewish tradition, Jews are in exile. We are not allowed to rebel against the Almighty. We are in exile behind the key. We are not rebelling against God, and we are not permitted to rule any country at this time. According to the Torah, the entire land should be returned to the Palestinians.”

Anti-Zionist Haredi Jews reject the authority of the Israeli regime, often opting not to participate in elections. Around the world, these individuals have continued their anti-Zionist activism by staging protests and gatherings to emphasize that the Israeli regime does not represent the Jewish community.

Rabbi Abraham Silberstein has repeatedly highlighted the attempts made by Zionists to conflate their fascist and racist movement with Judaism in pursuit of a “selfish agenda.”

“Zionists are working day and night to merge the identity of Judaism and Zionism into one. They need Jews to be held responsible for their actions, or else, they cannot use anti-Semitism as a shield. They’ll always say it’s about all the Jewish people and not Israel, to get us to pay. We see this in the streets of Europe and now also in America. It must be stopped," he said at a recent protest.

Orthodox Jews assert that the concept of “anti-Semitism” serves as “the lifeblood and oxygen” for the Israeli regime to continue its settler colonialism project.

The regime, they say, benefits from the spread of anti-Semitism as it allows Zionism to impose its political agenda more effectively under the guise of Jewish advocacy.

An account on X, operating under the name "Torah Judaism," stated that Zionism "has chosen to use anti-Semitism as a weapon" and without anti-Semitism, Zionism will not be able to find a legitimate field for itself and the idea of ​​the so-called "State of Israel" will disappear.

"Therefore, according to Zionism, the more Anti-Semitism, the greater the need for the State of Israel."

Orthodox Jews argue that propaganda depicting hostility between Jews and Muslims is perpetuated by Zionists to further their agenda. Rabbi Beck, speaking at a gathering, challenged this propaganda, asserting that Jews have historically lived more peacefully in Muslim countries than elsewhere.

“The problem is not between Islam and Judaism; the problem is occupation,” he noted.

According to Rabbi Beck, Zionists disseminate this propaganda to draw the Jewish people into their agenda. “This is complete Zionist propaganda that Muslims want to kill Jews. They are simply creating a narrative to bring the Jewish people into their agenda,” he emphasized.

Against the backdrop of Muslim hospitality toward Jews, Rabbi Beck shared personal anecdotes about his family’s experiences. He referred to the thriving Jewish community in Iran, which numbers around 30,000 and has its parliamentary representative, as well as his own positive experiences in Morocco.

“In Iran, there is a vibrant Jewish community, complete with educational institutions and representation in parliament,” he stated.

In a continued display of their opposition to the Israeli regime’s settler-colonial agenda, Orthodox Jews have organized pro-Palestinian gatherings and demonstrations since October of last year.

At one such event, Rabbi Haim Bleyr, representing the Jewish community, strongly voiced his support and solidarity with the Palestinian people.

“We are here as Jewish people. We feel obliged to show our support and solidarity with the people of Palestine, especially because we feel so embarrassed over what is happening in Gaza and in Palestine,” he stated.

Holding a banner that read, “Torah demands all of Palestine be returned to Palestinian sovereignty,” Rabbi Bleyr condemned the acts of aggression by the Israeli regime against Palestinians, asserting that the regime does represent the Jewish community.

“According to our faith, this state of Israel has no right to exist in the first place. Jews are in a heavenly decreed exile and are completely forbidden to create a Jewish state. So this is totally forbidden according to Jewish law,” he noted.  

Orthodox Jews have openly rejected the Israeli regime’s calls for military duty, particularly in November, when the regime issued draft orders to the Orthodox community amid the genocidal war.

It led to demonstrations among Jews who refused to enlist and participate in the Israeli war on Gaza.

Among the protesters, a young Jewish man passionately declared, “We will not enlist, we will not become Zionists, and we will not be part of this swamp—a swamp of murderers, the secular swamp filled with the corruption and evil of the world."

He emphasized that Zionism has led to widespread hatred of Jews globally. “All over the world, Jews live in fear of leaving their homes because of Zionism,” he added.

Orthodox Jews hold a range of perspectives on serving in the Israeli military, shaped by their interpretations of Jewish law.

Haredi Jews, for instance, prioritize Torah study above all else, believing that their spiritual efforts are essential for the protection and well-being of the Jewish people. Historically, Haredi men have been granted exemptions from military service to continue their religious studies in yeshivot.

Some Haredi groups, such as the Satmar Hasidim and Neturei Karta, are explicitly anti-Zionist. They oppose the existence of Israel on theological grounds, maintaining that a Jewish state should not be established until the coming of the "Messiah."

These groups firmly reject any form of participation in military service.

Certain verses and rabbinic interpretations within Jewish texts are also cited by Orthodox Jewish groups to argue against military service.

For example, Tractate Sanhedrin 74a of the Talmud discusses the three cardinal sins—idolatry, sexual immorality, and murder—and asserts that one must choose death over committing these offenses.

The argument against military service often centers on the prioritization of Torah study and the perceived spiritual dangers associated with a military environment.

Following the issuance of an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli War Minister Yoav Gallant by the International Criminal Court’s Pre-Trial Chamber on November 21, a group of these Jews gathered in the Mea Shearim neighborhood of occupied East Jerusalem.

As part of a demonstration outside a rabbinical institution, they expressed solidarity with the ICC ruling by holding a banner that read, “Jews welcome the just ICC ruling to arrest Israeli war criminal and support every attempt to stop the Zionist occupation that violates Judaism. Judaism and Zionism are extreme opposites.”

In response, Israeli police appeared at the scene and vandalized the neighborhood.

Rabbi Dovid Feldman also expressed his appreciation for the announcement of ICC arrest warrants during a gathering held in late November, shortly after the decision was announced.

He remarked that not only the Jewish community but the entire world had been awaiting this ruling. “Humanity has been waiting for this for a long time. Finally, things are coming to the surface, and we appreciate when individuals and governments stand up for humanity,” he said.

Rabbi Feldman also criticized Netanyahu for attempting to justify his aggression against Palestinians, including women and children, under the guise of defending Judaism.

“As Jewish people, we are deeply disturbed by the fact that all of this is being done supposedly in our name. Netanyahu presents himself as the representative of all Jews, yet he does not practice Judaism or follow its teachings,” he emphasized.

In a gathering following the ICC ruling, Rabbi Yitzchok Deutsch echoed Rabbi Feldman's sentiments, condemning Zionists who commit crimes under the pretext of Judaism.

“This is a great day for humanity. We, as Jewish people, are here to affirm that Zionism has nothing to do with Judaism,” he stated.

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