Published: 1 December 2023
Last updated: 15 March 2024
PHOTO ESSAY: The black hats and beards of the Neturei Karta are highly visible at pro-Palestinian rallies. GIANLUCA CECERE captures the images and beliefs of these anti-Zionist Jews.
Since the beginnings of modern Zionism, some elements of ultra-Orthodoxy have resisted the idea of the Jewish state, claiming the right to establish a state rested with God and could not precede the coming of the Messiah.
At the forefront of this opposition stands the Neturei Karta movement, a faction within the broader Haredi world which has gone beyond religious resistance to actively support the cause of Palestinians who want to support Israel.
Neturei Karta (Guardians of the City), advocate a "peaceful dismantling" of the State of Israel and demonstrate in support of replacing Israel with Palestine.
Their numbers are unknown as they do not to keep a register of members and estimates range from several hundred to a few thousand. Most live in Israel but there are small communities in New York's Borough Park and in London.
Like other Haredim, they lead a distinctive lifestyle, establishing separate schools prioritising the study of sacred texts, and intentionally distancing themselves from the broader society.
But they are also highly political and their language is extreme. The community’s leader, Rabbi Meir Hirsh, 66, describes the Israeli government as “Nazis”. "They don't kill people like the Nazis did, but they kill the soul because they are against the Torah, the Bible, the rules."
