How Many Neturei Karta Are There in Israel: Understanding the Sect
Neturei Karta is a small and outspoken sect within the broader Haredi ultra-Orthodox Jewish community, known for its strong anti-Zionist views. This article aims to provide an overview of the size and nature of the Neturei Karta community in Israel, offering insights based on various sources and recent data.
Current Estimates and Demographics
Estimates suggest that the number of Neturei Karta members in Israel is relatively small, ranging from a few thousand to approximately 4,000 people. The community is primarily concentrated in Jerusalem and some other areas. There are around 400 families in Israel, making it a significant but minority presence within the Haredi Jewish community in the country.
The exact numbers can vary due to the secretive nature of the group, but the Anti-Defamation League estimates that fewer than 100 members of the community participate in anti-Israel activism. The Jewish Virtual Library estimates their numbers to be around 5,000, though this number may include those supporting the group's ideology even if not actively participating in protests or other activities.
Historical Context and Formation
The Neturei Karta sect was formed in 1938, a radical extreme faction of ultra-Orthodox Jews who oppose the contemporary state of Israel. The term "Neturei Karta" translates to "Guardians of the Citys Gates," now commonly understood as a reference to Jerusalem. Despite their small size, their actions and rhetoric are far-reaching and controversial.
Politically, Neturei Karta supports the Palestinian cause and Iran, which has led them to be associated with radical and extremist groups. Their political and religious agenda is rooted in the belief that the Jewish people do not have the right to self-determination and that only God can restore Jewish sovereignty in the land of Israel.
Modern Activities and Public Perception
Neturei Karta's activities include participation in anti-Israel protests, meetings with international anti-Semites and Arab extremist groups, and public statements that denounce Zionism and the state of Israel. The group has been involved in several significant activities in recent years, including:
2018: Representatives of Neturai Karta met with Hezbollah in Lebanon and presented a gift for Hassan Nasrallah.
2017: Representatives of Neturai Karta attended a pro-Palestinian conference in Tehran where Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei called the Jewish state a "fake country," a "dirty chapter in history," and a "cancerous tumor."
Leaders from Neturei Karta have also been active in engaging with international media outlets like Al Jazeera, where they have expressed extreme views against Zionism and the Jewish state.
While the ultra-Orthodox community largely disapproves of Israel's secular government and liberal policies, they firmly reject and disavow the ideology of Neturei Karta. The community considers the group's views as non-representative of the vast majority of the Jewish community.
Conclusion
Neturei Karta remains a small but significant sect within the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in Israel, known for its radical and anti-Zionist views. Despite their limited numbers, the actions and rhetoric of this group continue to have a significant impact on the Israeli political landscape and international relations.
Understanding the dynamics and activities of Neturei Karta is crucial for anyone seeking to comprehend the complexities of Israeli and Jewish religious politics.