Why Do Some Ultra-Orthodox Jews Support Palestine? Understanding Their Logic

In the complex tapestry of Israeli-Palestinian relations, it is often surprising to find that some ultra-Orthodox Jews—who are vehemently pro-Israel—support the Palestinian cause. This article delves into the reasons behind this phenomenon, exploring the nuances of their beliefs and the diverse opinions within the ultra-Orthodox community.

Majority Support for Israel

For the vast majority of ultra-Orthodox Jews, Zionism and the establishment of the State of Israel are inseparable from their religious and national identity. Approximately three-quarters of ultra-Orthodox Jews recognize the complete legitimacy of Israel and have no sympathies toward the Palestinians. This group includes many Hasidic and non-Hasidic communities who see the State of Israel as a necessary step in the fulfillment of biblical prophecy.

Religious Anti-Zionism: A Minority View

However, a smaller but significant portion of the ultra-Orthodox community holds a religiously anti-Zionist view. This minority includes the Hasidic Satmar sect and various smaller Hasidic communities, as well as a few non-Hasidic groups. These individuals believe that the establishment of Israel as a Jewish state should occur only after the coming of the Messiah, a belief rooted deeply in religious teachings.

Major Organizations and Groups

Within this smaller group, three main organizations stand out: the Hasidic Satmar sect, the Natorei Karta, and a more moderate faction of the Katzenellenbogen.

Hasidic Satmar: This large Hasidic sect forms a significant part of the anti-Zionist community. The Satmar Jews may not engage in active support for Palestinian causes, but their opposition to Zionism is well-established.

Natorei Karta: This non-Hasidic sect is perhaps the most extreme within the anti-Zionist ultra-Orthodox groups. Known for their purely peace position, the Natorei Karta believe that Israel should not exist as a Jewish state and should negotiate with Palestinians for a peaceful transition.

Katzenellenbogen vs. Blau Factions of Natorei Karta: The Natorei Karta are subdivided into the more moderate Katzenellenbogen faction and the more extreme Blau faction. According to estimates, both factions are roughly equal in size, with the Blau faction further divided into two groups. The Blau faction is the one that is more likely to engage in supportive measures towards Palestine.

The Logic Behind Supporting Palestine

It is this more extreme faction that sometimes participates in marches or other supportive acts for Palestinians. Countering the claim that all anti-Zionist ultra-Orthodox Jews would support Palestine en masse, it is clear that the numbers do not support this. If this were the case, we would see tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews at these events, rather than the measly eight or ten that are frequently mentioned.

Conclusion

The ultra-Orthodox Jewish community, while predominantly Zionist, harbors a minority of individuals and groups who are religiously anti-Zionist. These individuals often support Palestine, albeit for reasons rooted in religious beliefs. Understanding these diverse opinions is crucial for comprehending the complex dynamics of Israeli-Palestinian relations and the religious underpinnings of these positions.