Rachel Evans
The question of why some Orthodox Jews support Palestine is a nuanced and often misunderstood topic, rooted in diverse theological, historical, and ethical perspectives within Jewish thought. While many associate Orthodox Judaism with unwavering support for Israel, a minority of Orthodox Jews, often aligned with anti-Zionist movements like Neturei Karta or Satmar Hasidim, oppose the State of Israel on religious grounds, arguing that Jewish sovereignty should await the Messiah’s arrival. Additionally, some Orthodox voices emphasize principles of justice, human rights, and opposition to occupation, drawing from Jewish teachings on compassion and fairness to critique Israeli policies toward Palestinians. This stance reflects a complex interplay between religious doctrine, political ideology, and moral imperatives, challenging simplistic assumptions about Jewish unanimity on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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What You'll Learn
- Shared historical oppression fosters empathy and solidarity between Orthodox Jews and Palestinians
- Anti-Zionism among some Orthodox Jews opposes the State of Israel’s secular nature
- Religious interpretations prioritize peace and justice over political nationalism in the region
- Opposition to Israeli government policies seen as contradicting Jewish religious values
- Support for Palestinian self-determination aligns with Orthodox Jewish teachings on fairness
Shared historical oppression fosters empathy and solidarity between Orthodox Jews and Palestinians
The shared experience of persecution and displacement has created an unexpected bond between some Orthodox Jews and Palestinians, challenging the simplistic narratives often presented in media. Both communities have endured centuries of oppression, exile, and struggles for self-determination, which serve as a foundation for empathy and solidarity. This connection is not merely symbolic; it manifests in tangible actions, such as joint protests, interfaith dialogues, and mutual aid initiatives. For instance, during the 2014 Gaza War, a group of Orthodox Jews in New York organized a vigil alongside Palestinian activists, emphasizing their shared humanity and opposition to violence.
To understand this solidarity, consider the historical parallels. Orthodox Jews, like Palestinians, have faced systemic discrimination, expulsion, and attempts at cultural erasure. The Jewish diaspora, marked by events like the Spanish Inquisition and the Holocaust, mirrors the Palestinian Nakba in its themes of loss and resilience. These shared traumas create a common language of resistance, where both groups recognize the dehumanizing effects of occupation and displacement. For Orthodox Jews who prioritize justice and compassion as core tenets of their faith, supporting Palestinian rights becomes an extension of their religious and ethical commitments.
Building solidarity requires intentional steps. First, educate yourself on the histories of both communities, focusing on their struggles and shared values. Second, engage in dialogue with Palestinian voices, avoiding tokenism or speaking over them. Third, participate in joint actions, such as advocating for ceasefire resolutions or supporting fair trade products from Palestine. Caution: avoid appropriating narratives or centering Jewish voices in Palestinian spaces. The goal is to amplify Palestinian agency while standing in allyship.
A practical example of this solidarity is the work of organizations like Neturei Karta, an Orthodox Jewish group that openly opposes Zionism and supports Palestinian self-determination. They argue that true Judaism is incompatible with the occupation of Palestine, drawing on religious texts and historical context to make their case. Similarly, initiatives like Jews for Palestinian Right of Return highlight how shared oppression can translate into political action. These efforts demonstrate that solidarity is not just emotional but can drive concrete change.
In conclusion, the bond between Orthodox Jews and Palestinians rooted in shared historical oppression is both profound and actionable. By recognizing their interconnected struggles, these communities challenge divisive narratives and model a path toward justice. This solidarity is not without its challenges, but it offers a powerful reminder that empathy born of suffering can transcend political and religious boundaries, fostering a more inclusive vision of liberation.
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Anti-Zionism among some Orthodox Jews opposes the State of Israel’s secular nature
A significant faction within Orthodox Judaism rejects the State of Israel not due to political grievances or sympathy for Palestinian nationalism, but because of a profound theological objection to its secular character. For these Jews, Zionism—the nationalist movement to establish a Jewish state—contradicts the messianic tradition that holds God, not human agency, as the sole force capable of restoring Jewish sovereignty in the Holy Land. This belief, rooted in centuries of religious teaching, views Israel’s establishment in 1948 as a violation of divine order, an act of *kefira* (heresy) that usurps God’s role in redeeming the Jewish people. Groups like the Satmar Hasidim, led by Rabbi Joel Teitelbaum, have been vocal in this opposition, arguing that Zionism accelerates the *golus* (exile) rather than ending it, as it prioritizes political power over spiritual redemption.
To understand this stance, consider the *Three Oaths* in the Talmud (Ketubot 110b), which some interpret as prohibiting Jews from collectively reclaiming the Land of Israel before the Messiah’s arrival. For anti-Zionist Orthodox Jews, Israel’s secular government—with its flag, anthem, and conscription of yeshiva students—symbolizes a dangerous conflation of religion and nationalism. They view the state’s institutions, such as the Chief Rabbinate, as compromised by political interests, undermining authentic Jewish law. This critique is not merely theoretical; it shapes daily life, from refusing to vote in Israeli elections to declining benefits tied to citizenship, as seen in communities like Jerusalem’s Mea Shearim.
Practically, this opposition manifests in active non-cooperation. Anti-Zionist Orthodox Jews often avoid using Israeli currency, instead relying on dollars or shekels minted before 1948. They boycott state-sponsored education, establishing their own schools that omit Zionist history and emphasize Torah study. Even in mourning, they diverge: while most Israelis observe Yom HaZikaron (Memorial Day) for fallen soldiers, these Jews may privately recite psalms, viewing military service as a secular ritual antithetical to their faith. Such actions are not passive resistance but a deliberate rejection of a state they see as illegitimate.
Critics argue this stance ignores the realities of Jewish persecution, from pogroms to the Holocaust, which Zionism sought to address. Yet for these Orthodox Jews, the solution lies in spiritual resilience, not political statehood. They point to historical figures like the Vilna Gaon, who opposed early Zionist efforts in the 18th century, as precedents for their position. While their views remain a minority within global Judaism, they challenge the assumption that all Jews inherently support Israel, offering a counter-narrative rooted in religious tradition rather than contemporary politics. This perspective, though often misunderstood, underscores the diversity of Jewish thought on nationhood and identity.
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Religious interpretations prioritize peace and justice over political nationalism in the region
Within Orthodox Jewish communities, a growing number of individuals and groups are reinterpreting religious texts and traditions to emphasize peace and justice over political nationalism in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This shift is rooted in a deep engagement with Torah, Talmud, and rabbinic teachings that prioritize compassion, fairness, and the sanctity of human life. For instance, the principle of *"pikuach nefesh"* (saving a life) transcends political boundaries, compelling some Orthodox Jews to advocate for policies that protect Palestinian lives and rights. This religious lens challenges the notion that nationalism or state sovereignty should supersede ethical imperatives.
Consider the story of Rabbi Brant Rosen, an Orthodox-trained rabbi who founded the Jewish Voice for Peace, an organization that aligns Jewish values with Palestinian solidarity. Rosen often cites the Talmudic teaching *"In a place where there are no men, strive to be a man"* (Pirkei Avot 2:5) to argue that moral leadership demands standing against oppression, even when it contradicts mainstream political narratives. His work exemplifies how religious interpretation can serve as a counterweight to nationalism, urging Jews to prioritize justice over tribal loyalty. Such interpretations are not fringe but draw from core Jewish texts, such as the commandment to *"love the stranger"* (Deuteronomy 10:19), which is applied to advocate for Palestinian dignity and self-determination.
To adopt this perspective, one must engage in a rigorous study of Jewish sources while critically examining contemporary political realities. Start by exploring texts like *“The Holy Land in American Jewish Thought, 1820–1948”* by Adam M. Bertotti, which traces how Jewish thought has historically grappled with nationalism. Pair this with practical steps: join study groups that focus on peace-oriented interpretations of Judaism, attend interfaith dialogues, and support organizations like T’ruah, which mobilize rabbis and communities for human rights. Caution against conflating criticism of Israeli policies with anti-Zionism or antisemitism; the goal is to elevate ethical discourse, not to delegitimize identities.
A comparative analysis reveals that this approach mirrors movements within other faith traditions, such as Christian liberation theology or Islamic concepts of *"adl"* (justice). In each case, religious adherents reclaim their traditions to challenge political structures that perpetuate harm. For Orthodox Jews, this means distinguishing between the spiritual significance of Israel and the actions of its government. By doing so, they reframe the conflict not as a zero-sum battle for land but as a moral imperative to pursue peace and equity for all inhabitants of the region.
Ultimately, this religious reinterpretation offers a roadmap for reconciling faith with political activism. It demonstrates that Orthodox Judaism need not be monolithic in its stance on Israel-Palestine. Instead, it can be a dynamic force for justice, rooted in timeless values but responsive to contemporary suffering. For those seeking to align their faith with their politics, this approach provides both theological grounding and practical guidance, proving that peace and justice are not just ideals but actionable mandates within the Jewish tradition.
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Opposition to Israeli government policies seen as contradicting Jewish religious values
A significant number of Orthodox Jews oppose Israeli government policies they perceive as contradicting core Jewish religious values. This opposition stems from a deep commitment to halakha (Jewish law) and ethical principles derived from Torah teachings. For these individuals, supporting Palestinian rights aligns with their understanding of justice, compassion, and the sanctity of human life.
One key area of contention is the Israeli government's treatment of Palestinians in the occupied territories. Orthodox critics argue that settlement expansion, home demolitions, and restrictions on movement violate the Torah's injunction to "love the stranger" (Deuteronomy 10:19). They point to rabbinic teachings emphasizing the importance of treating non-Jews with dignity and fairness, seeing current policies as a betrayal of these principles.
This opposition manifests in various ways. Some Orthodox groups actively protest Israeli policies, while others engage in humanitarian aid to Palestinian communities. Organizations like Nechama and Rabbis for Human Rights provide concrete examples of Orthodox Jews working for Palestinian rights. These groups often face criticism from within their own communities, highlighting the complexity of this issue within Orthodox Judaism.
It's crucial to understand that this opposition is not rooted in anti-Zionism but in a commitment to a specific interpretation of Jewish values. These Orthodox Jews believe a true Jewish state should embody the ethical ideals of the Torah, including justice and compassion for all, regardless of ethnicity or religion. Their stance challenges the notion that support for Israel must be unconditional, advocating for a more nuanced approach that prioritizes moral integrity over political allegiance.
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Support for Palestinian self-determination aligns with Orthodox Jewish teachings on fairness
Orthodox Jewish teachings emphasize justice, fairness, and the inherent dignity of all people, principles that directly align with support for Palestinian self-determination. The Torah repeatedly underscores the importance of treating strangers with kindness, as seen in Exodus 22:21: "Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt." This injunction extends beyond mere tolerance, demanding active advocacy for the rights of marginalized groups. For Orthodox Jews who prioritize these teachings, supporting Palestinian self-determination becomes a moral imperative, rooted in the belief that denying any people their autonomy contradicts divine law.
Consider the concept of *tzedek*, or righteousness, a cornerstone of Jewish ethics. *Tzedek* requires not only personal integrity but also systemic fairness. In the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, this means acknowledging historical injustices and working toward a resolution that respects the rights of both peoples. Orthodox Jewish thinkers like Rabbi Brent Spodek argue that true righteousness demands challenging policies that perpetuate oppression, even when those policies are enacted by one’s own community. This perspective reframes support for Palestine not as opposition to Israel but as a commitment to justice, a value central to Jewish identity.
Practical steps for Orthodox Jews seeking to align their actions with these teachings include educating themselves and others about the complexities of the conflict, engaging in interfaith dialogue, and advocating for policies that promote equality. For instance, organizations like *T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights* offer resources and campaigns that allow individuals to act on their values. Participating in such initiatives not only fulfills religious obligations but also fosters a more just society, reflecting the Torah’s call to "seek peace and pursue it" (Psalm 34:14).
A comparative analysis highlights the parallels between the Jewish historical experience and the Palestinian struggle. Just as Jews have endured displacement and persecution, Palestinians face systemic challenges to their autonomy and dignity. Orthodox Jews who draw on their own history of resilience and survival are uniquely positioned to empathize with Palestinian aspirations. This shared understanding transforms support for Palestinian self-determination from a political stance into a deeply personal and spiritual act, grounded in the belief that fairness and justice are universal principles, not limited by nationality or religion.
Ultimately, aligning with Palestinian self-determination is not a rejection of Jewish identity but a fulfillment of its highest ideals. By championing fairness and justice, Orthodox Jews honor both their religious teachings and their commitment to humanity. This approach offers a path forward that transcends division, rooted in the conviction that true righteousness requires standing with the oppressed, regardless of their background. For those seeking to live out their faith authentically, this is not just an option—it is a calling.
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Frequently asked questions
Some Orthodox Jews support Palestine based on religious, ethical, or political principles. Groups like Neturei Karta and certain anti-Zionist Orthodox sects believe that the State of Israel contradicts Jewish religious teachings, which they interpret as forbidding the establishment of a Jewish state before the Messiah's arrival. They advocate for Palestinian rights and self-determination as part of their opposition to Zionism.
No, support for Palestine is not widespread among Orthodox Jews. The majority of Orthodox Jews, particularly those in Zionist communities, support the State of Israel and its policies. However, a small but vocal minority, primarily from anti-Zionist groups, aligns with Palestinian causes, often based on their interpretation of Jewish religious law and tradition.
Orthodox Jews who support Palestine often cite religious texts and teachings that they believe prohibit the establishment of a Jewish state before the Messiah's arrival. They argue that Zionism violates the divine plan and that Jews should live in exile until redemption. Additionally, they emphasize principles of justice, compassion, and opposition to oppression, which they apply to advocating for Palestinian rights.
