Israel: The situation of anti-Zionist Jews, including their activities and the problems they face; state protection available to them
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 23 February 2004 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | ISR42432.FE |
| Reference | 1 |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Israel: The situation of anti-Zionist Jews, including their activities and the problems they face; state protection available to them, 23 February 2004, ISR42432.FE, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/41501c2423.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Anti-Zionist Jews in Israel are usually associated with the Orthodox branch of the Jewish religion (Jewish Virtual Library 2004). There is a small "fringe" of Jews whose non-recognition of the State of Israel is fundamental to their theology (Columbia University 8 May 2002).
That fringe consists mainly, but not exclusively, of two Hasidic sects, Satmar and Neturie Karta (ibid.; Jews Not Zionists n.d.), whose customs and strict religious beliefs have "barely changed over the last hundred years" (Columbia University 8 May 2002). While Satmar rabbis believe that Israel should be administered by the United Nations, Neturei Karta members believe that only the creation of a State of Palestine, which would replace the current State of Israel, would be acceptable (ibid.). Both groups believe that the Jews' exile from the Holy Land nearly two millennia ago is part of a divine plan and that only the Messiah, and not humans, can re-establish the Jewish State (ibid.; MEPC winter 1990). Neturei Karta members go even further: they believe that Zionism violates every principle of the Torah and the Jewish religion (Neturei Karta 2003c). Many ultra-Orthodox groups are non-Zionist rather than anti-Zionist in that they oppose only the secular elements of the State of Israel, but not the existence of the state itself, and denounce the position taken by Neturei Karta (The Guardian 25 Nov. 2002).
Satmar and Neturei Karta men, who can be distinguished by their traditional dress and their long beards and black hats, often participate in anti-Israel rallies, where they burn Israeli flags and bear signs with proclamations like "Palestine is for the Palestinians" (Columbia University 8 May 2002). The head of community affairs at the Israeli Consulate in New York, a frequent witness to the rallies, stated that, whether they are in Israel or the United States, these groups are free to say what they want because they live in democratic countries (ibid.). However, some Jewish organizations, such as the Anti-Defamation League, worry that these groups legitimize violence against Jews (ibid.).
Generally speaking, ultra-Orthodox groups are the targets of considerable hostility by the secular majority, which feels threatened by the increasing political power of the Haredim (ultra-Orthodox Jews) (Toronto Star 19 July 2003). An incident at a protest in Jerusalem on 1 January 2004 demonstrated the relationship anti-Zionist ultra-Orthodox Jews have with the authorities (AFP 1 Jan. 2004). An estimated 5,000 protesters from the Toldot Aharon sect demonstrating against the imprisonment of a member accused of assaulting a policewoman chanted anti-Zionist slogans and carried banners reading "[t]he Orthodox Jewry demands international forces for protection from 'Nazionist' oppression" (ibid.). Protestors smashed a police car and fought with a large contingent of police forces (ibid.).
According to Neturei Karta, in January 2003 in Jerusalem, two men were arrested by the police for selling books by a Satmar author condemning the State (Neturei Karta 2003d). The police threatened to seize all the books and put the men in jail (ibid.). In 2002, a group of anti-Zionist Jews demonstrating outside an adult video store claimed that they were attacked by Zionists; a rabbi belonging to the group died some time after the incident (ibid. 2003e).
A number of Neturei Karta members have already left the country where they had lived for many years (ibid. 2003a). The group claims that, on top of the ideological and political reasons that have forced its members to emigrate, many of the members and their families are harassed, incarcerated and even tortured by the police (ibid.). According to Neturei Karta, anti-Zionist Jews are subject to "relentless oppression" because of their anti-Zionist ideology (ibid. 2003b). No additional information on the treatment of Neturei Karta members could be found among the sources consulted by Research Directorate within the time constraints for this Response.
It is worth noting that Israeli law provides for freedom of the press and the right to peaceful assembly, and the authorities generally respect these rights (Country Reports 2002 31 Mar. 2003, Sec. 2.a and 2.b). While groups and individuals may publicly criticize the government without reprisal, the law prohibits hate speech and incitement to violence (ibid., Sec. 2.a).
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.
References
Agence France-Presse (AFP). 1 January 2004. "Israeli Police Clash with Angry Mob of Religious Jews Over Court Sentence." (NEXIS)
Columbia University, New York. 8 May 2002. Elizabeth Goldhirsh. "They're Jewish, but not Zionists." Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2002. 31 March 2003. United States Department of State. Washington, DC. The Guardian [London]. 25 November 2002. Simon Rocker. "In a State Over Israel." Jewish Virtual Library. 2004. "Anti-Zionism Among Jews." Jews Not Zionists, New York. n.d. Home page. Middle East Policy Council Journal (MEPC) [Washington, DC]. Winter 1990-1991. No. 35. "Jewish Criticism of Zionism." Neturei Karta International, Monsey, New York. 2003a. "What is the Neturei Karta?" _____. 2003b. "Zionist Violence and Intimidation." _____. 2003c. "Anti-Zionist Orthodox Jews to Demonstrate at So-Called Israel Day Parade." _____. 2003d. "Booksellers Attacked by Zionist Police." _____. 2003e. "Zionist Violence Against Protesters in Jerusalem - January 2002." The Toronto Star. 19 July 2003. Ron Csillag. "Anti-Semitism in Israel: Noah Efron Explores Why Ultra-Orthodox Face 'Unfathomable Hostility' in the Jewish Homeland." (NEXIS)
Additional Sources Consulted
IRB Databases
Internet sites, including:
Alternative Information Center
Amnesty International
BBC
Freedom House
Haaretz
Jerusalem Report Magazine
Le Monde
State of Israel
United States Department of State
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