Anti-Zionist ultra-Orthodox Jews: why the distinction matters
Zionism is a political movement, not a religious one. Many ultra-Orthodox Jews reject it. The key points of a distinction that is often overlooked.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
Anti-Zionist ultra-Orthodox Jews: the key points of an overlooked distinction
Despite the tendency to equate Judaism with Zionism, the reality is more complex. Among ultra-Orthodox Jews, anti-Zionism is a firm stance: they consider the creation of the State of Israel before the arrival of the Messiah to be a blasphemy. Zionism, for its part, is a nationalist political movement that emerged in the 19th century, not a religious doctrine. Public debate tends to ignore this divide.
The confusion has consequences. Those who criticize Zionism over its policy in the occupied territories can be accused of antisemitism, and vice versa. Understanding that there are anti-Zionist Jews —and that Judaism is not monolithic— is key to defusing the controversy.
A fact often overlooked: the ultra-Orthodox are not only anti-Zionist; they also reject the authority of the State of Israel in religious matters. Their criticism is not directed at the Jewish people, but at the Zionist political project. The difference is subtle but fundamental.
Despite the tendency to equate Judaism with Zionism, the reality is more complex. Among ultra-Orthodox Jews, anti-Zionism is a firm stance: they consider the creation of the State of Israel before the arrival of the Messiah to be a blasphemy. Zionism, for its part, is a nationalist political movement that emerged in the 19th century, not a religious doctrine. Public debate tends to ignore this divide.
The confusion has consequences. Those who criticize Zionism over its policy in the occupied territories can be accused of antisemitism, and vice versa. Understanding that there are anti-Zionist Jews —and that Judaism is not monolithic— is key to defusing the controversy.
A fact often overlooked: the ultra-Orthodox are not only anti-Zionist; they also reject the authority of the State of Israel in religious matters. Their criticism is not directed at the Jewish people, but at the Zionist political project. The difference is subtle but fundamental.
Also available in: Deutsch
Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (21 replies).
More summaries
-
Palestinian Identity: History, Genetics and Politics
Origins of the term Palestine, genetic evidence and the Arab League's role in a debate that politicizes the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
-
The Iran trap: what the US and Israel are really after
An analysis of US and Israeli strategy toward Iran: deliberate trap or failed containment? The keys to a conflict on the brink of erupting.
-
Quechua tents and Soros accusation in a protest camp
Quechua tents at a protest camp and an unproven accusation of links to Soros are at the centre of the debate
-
Spain's €480 benefit for over-52s: welfare or vote-buying?
The €480 monthly benefit for people over 52 in Spain raises doubts over whether it is social aid or a clientelist tool. Real cases reveal the paradox.
-
The communication risks of National November in Spain
The launch of National November, fronted by Enrique Lemos, has raised doubts: mentioning the 'third way' could be a mistake the system exploits to discredit the movement.
-
Spain's immigration and wages debate: labour or pressure?
A youth post by Spain's PP has sparked the debate: is immigration about integration or about driving down wages? The underlying suspicion that makes everyone uneasy.