This post is also available in:
English 
Русский (Russian) 
Français (French)
Short answer
The Neturei Karta is a small, ultra-Orthodox Jewish sect known for its extreme anti-Zionist views. They believe that the establishment of a Jewish state before the Messiah’s arrival is forbidden and that Zionism is a dangerous heresy. The group has aligned with radical groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, participating in anti-Israel protests and making controversial statements. Despite their limited numbers, they have gained significant attention due to their extreme views and actions and are often being used by anti-Israelis as a “proof” that “real Jews do not support the state of Israel”. The Neturei Karta’s opposition to Zionism misrepresents the views of the vast majority of Jews who support the existence of Israel and the reason for its being
Long answer
The Neturei Karta, a small and highly controversial sect of anti-Zionist ultra-Orthodox Jews, have gained an outsized reputation due to their extremist beliefs and actions against the State of Israel.
Their ideology is rooted in a strict interpretation of Jewish law and a belief in the imminent arrival of the Messiah. They believe that the establishment of a Jewish state before the Messiah’s coming is not only unnecessary but also forbidden. They argue that Zionism is a dangerous heresy that has led to the suffering of the Jewish people.
Despite their limited numbers, they’ve managed to make headlines by associating with Palestinian extremists and groups that hate Israel and call for its destruction, like Hamas, Hezbollah, and even figures like Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Yasser Arafat. The Neturei Karta has made controversial statements, such as thanking Adolf Hitler for the Holocaust, which they believe led to the creation of the State of Israel. They have also participated in antisemitic actions, such as attending conferences with Holocaust deniers.
The Neturei Karta’s origins can be traced back to the early 20th century, when conflicts arose between different groups of Jewish immigrants in Palestine. Some ultra-Orthodox Jews opposed the Zionist movement and its emphasis on secularism and modernity. The Neturei Karta emerged as a more radical faction within this group, actively protesting Zionist activities and aligning with Palestinian nationalist movements.
In recent years, the Neturei Karta was repeatedly engaged in anti-Zionist activities, such as protesting Israeli government policies and supporting Palestinian causes. Their actions have often been condemned by the mainstream Jewish community, which overwhelmingly supports the existence of Israel.
Following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7, 2023, the Neturei Karta became highly active in pro-Palestinian demonstrations. They participated in rallies, marched with Palestinian flags, and chanted slogans like “Judaism, yes.Zionism, no.By separating Judaism from Zionism, the Neturei Karta implies that one cannot be a true Jew without rejecting the idea of a Jewish state. This is a false dichotomy that ignores the historical and religious significance of the land of Israel to the Jewish people. Such slogans are misleading and misrepresent the views of the vast majority of Jews worldwide who do support Zionism and the state of Israel.
