Interview — Rabbi Dovid Feldman: ‘The State of Israel is a rebellion against God’
New York-based Orthodox Jewish leader tells MNTV that Zionism violates Jewish law and endangers Jews worldwide
ISTANBUL, Turkiye (MNTV) — Rabbi Dovid Feldman, an Orthodox Jewish leader from New York and a prominent spokesperson for Neturei Karta, says the State of Israel contradicts Jewish teachings, fuels ongoing bloodshed, and puts Jewish communities at risk worldwide.
Neturei Karta rejects Zionism on theological grounds, insisting that Judaism is a religion rather than a nationalist project, and that establishing a Jewish state before the arrival of the Messiah violates Jewish law.
Feldman has long engaged in public advocacy, interfaith dialogue, and international forums, presenting a religious critique of Zionism and opposing Israeli policies toward Palestinians. He was in Istanbul recently for an international conference on Palestine, where he spoke with Muslim Network TV. Excerpts from the interview follow.
Question: Many people assume Judaism and Zionism go hand in hand. From your perspective, what is the difference?
Rabbi Dovid Feldman: Very, very important. There’s a great difference between Judaism and Zionism. Judaism is a religion — belief in God and practice of His commandments — with no political element. Zionism is a political movement that transforms Judaism into nationalism. You don’t have to believe in God to be a Zionist Jew. It uproots Judaism. Our scriptures teach that Jews must wait for the Messiah before establishing even a Jewish neighborhood.
Q: You mentioned messianic claims in politics. Netanyahu has been tied to such claims. How do you view that?
Rabbi Feldman: This is a sad joke — someone violating every law of Judaism claiming to be the Messiah. Netanyahu misuses religion to justify crimes. He doesn’t keep the Sabbath or eat kosher. He represents neither Judaism nor the Messiah. The Messiah is a spiritual figure following God’s commands. Netanyahu is not the Messiah; he is Satan. What he is doing is the greatest rebellion against God.
Q: Some say opposing Israel means denying Jewish identity. How do you respond?
Rabbi Feldman: Jewish identity is rooted in religion, not nationalism. I’m a Jewish American — Jewish by religion, American by nationality. Zionism tries to replace religion with nationalism. That is an uprooting of Judaism.
Q: People argue Israel was “given” to Jews after the Holocaust. Your community suffered greatly. How do you view this?
Rabbi Feldman: Jewish suffering in the Holocaust — and throughout history — does not give anyone the right to oppress others. Because we know suffering, we must not inflict it. We are ashamed when crimes are committed in our name. It desecrates God’s name. Religion is being misused to justify these crimes.
Q: You oppose the 1967 borders and call for a full return of Palestinian land. Why?
Rabbi Feldman: Because the 1948 occupation itself was wrong — morally and religiously. This entire cycle of bloodshed stems from Zionism and the occupation of Palestine. For centuries before the 1920s, Jews and Muslims lived in peace despite religious differences. Zionism destroyed that peace and continues to fuel the violence. It must stop entirely for a better future to emerge.
Q: Critics call anti-Zionist Jews “traitors.” What do you say?
Rabbi Feldman: Supporting Israel is not in the interest of the Jewish people. The State of Israel is a rebellion against God and will not succeed. The Torah warns against violating God’s word. Israel’s actions encourage hatred toward Jews worldwide. What is done “in our name” endangers us. Supporting Israel is the real betrayal.
Q: New York recently elected Zoran Mandani, a Muslim mayor, with support from many Jewish communities. Why?
Rabbi Feldman: Many Jewish people are waking up. After two years of genocide in Gaza, people are rejecting blind support for Israel. More Jews are recognizing the crimes committed in their name. We are seeing a shift.
Q: What led you personally — and your community — to adopt an anti-Zionist stance?
Rabbi Feldman: Our stance comes from our religion. Judaism teaches that Zionism and the Zionist regime violate fundamental Jewish beliefs, and that the cruelty toward Palestinians is unjust and forbidden.
Q: Finally, your view on Gaza, especially under the current ceasefire?
Rabbi Feldman: The genocide in Gaza has not ended. People think a ceasefire means it’s over, but the suffering continues. And Gaza’s suffering didn’t begin two years ago — Palestinians have faced oppression for 77 years. This rebellion against God must stop.
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