Among the varied voices within world Jewry, Neturei Karta stands out as a small but vocal group of ultra-Orthodox Jews who reject Zionism not only politically, but on deeply theological grounds. To them, the modern State of Israel is not the fulfillment of biblical prophecy—it is its violation. More controversially, some within or aligned with this group view the Zionist movement as paving the way for a false messiah, or a pseudo-Messianic figure, whom they equate with the Biblical Antichrist foretold in both Jewish and Christian eschatology.
This article explores the religious convictions of Neturei Karta, their opposition to Zionism, and their expectation that the true messianic redemption will stand in stark contrast to what they perceive as the Zionist counterfeit.
Origins of Neturei Karta
Neturei Karta (Aramaic for “Guardians of the City”) was founded in Jerusalem in 1938 by members of the Old Yishuv—the traditional, Torah-observant Jewish community that had lived in the Holy Land for centuries prior to the rise of modern Zionism.
While secular Zionists worked to establish a modern Jewish state, Neturei Karta saw these efforts as a rebellion against divine providence. They believed, and still believe, that Jews were exiled from the Land of Israel by God, and that they are forbidden to return en masse or establish sovereignty until the arrival of the true Messiah (Moshiach ben David).
This foundational belief is rooted in the Talmudic “Three Oaths” (Ketubot 111a), which state that:
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The Jews should not ascend to the Land of Israel as a unified body;
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They must not rebel against the nations of the world;
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The nations should not overly oppress the Jewish people.
For Neturei Karta and similar anti-Zionist Haredi groups, these oaths prohibit the creation of a Jewish state before divine redemption.
Zionism as a False Redemption
Neturei Karta contends that Zionism is a human-centered ideology that substitutes secular nationalism for faith in God. They see the Israeli state, founded largely by secular Jews, as fundamentally illegitimate and spiritually dangerous. In their view, Zionism usurps the prophetic vision of redemption and mimics it, creating what appears to be a fulfillment of prophecy but is, in fact, its opposite.
According to their interpretation:
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The Zionist Messiah is a false messiah—one who leads the Jewish people away from Torah and genuine spiritual redemption.
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The establishment of a Jewish state by secular means is not a stepping stone to redemption, but a diversion from it.
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Supporting or aligning with the Zionist state is tantamount to endorsing a counterfeit messianic agenda.
This perspective directly contradicts Religious Zionism, which sees the founding of Israel as the "first flowering of our redemption."
The Zionist Messiah as the Antichrist?
The term “Antichrist” is not a Jewish concept in the traditional sense—it comes from Christian eschatology. However, within certain mystical and ultra-Orthodox Jewish traditions, there are concepts that closely resemble it. One such concept is the "Armilus", a figure described in Midrashic literature as a false messiah or end-times deceiver who misleads Israel and battles the true Messiah.
Some fringe but influential anti-Zionist thinkers have equated the modern political project of Zionism—and the potential emergence of a powerful, charismatic leader who claims to bring peace and security through the Israeli state—as a manifestation of Armilus. In interfaith dialogue, this figure is sometimes aligned with the Christian Antichrist, though the theological frameworks differ.
Neturei Karta and those sympathetic to their theology believe that:
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The Zionist state may prepare the stage for a messianic impostor—a man hailed as a savior who is actually leading Jews away from divine truth.
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This figure, endorsed by both religious and secular Zionists, will claim to fulfill messianic prophecies but will be revealed as an enemy of the Torah.
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The true Moshiach will arrive not through political power, military force, or United Nations resolutions—but through repentance, divine intervention, and a worldwide recognition of God.
Thus, the “Zionist Messiah” is, in their eyes, not just wrong—he is dangerous, possibly the very deceiver warned about in apocalyptic prophecies.
Controversial Actions and Global Attention
Neturei Karta's beliefs, while rooted in classical Jewish sources, are seen as radical because of their public opposition to the State of Israel. Their most controversial actions have included:
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Protesting Israeli Independence Day, even in Jewish neighborhoods.
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Attending conferences in Iran and other nations that openly call for Israel’s dismantling.
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Meeting with leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah, groups condemned by much of the world for terrorism.
These actions have drawn intense criticism from both Zionist and non-Zionist Jewish communities. Even other anti-Zionist Haredi groups—such as parts of the Satmar Hasidim—have distanced themselves from Neturei Karta's high-profile provocations, though they may share many of the same theological foundations.
The True Redemption: Moshiach ben David
For Neturei Karta, true redemption will come through the arrival of Moshiach ben David, a righteous descendant of King David, who will:
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Rebuild the Third Temple in Jerusalem;
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Gather the exiles of Israel from around the world;
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Bring about universal peace and divine recognition.
This redemption will be miraculous and unmistakable, not brought about by secular leaders or military power. Until then, Jews must remain in exile, devoted to Torah and mitzvot, and wait patiently for divine salvation.
Any attempt to force the end through political activism or military means is, in their view, a grave spiritual sin.
A Dissenting Minority with Lasting Impact
Though Neturei Karta represents a tiny fraction of global Jewry, their existence is significant. They remind the world that Judaism is not synonymous with Zionism, and that there are Jews who see the current state of Israel not as a miracle, but as a test.
Their opposition is not merely political—it is eschatological. They believe that by opposing the Zionist state and any false messiah it may produce, they are standing firm in their loyalty to God and preparing for the true Moshiach who will redeem Israel in righteousness.
Conclusion
Neturei Karta is one of the few Jewish groups that openly rejects not only the modern State of Israel but the very idea that it could be connected to Jewish redemption. Their belief that a Zionist messiah could be a false redeemer—or even a figure resembling the Biblical Antichrist—places them in stark opposition to mainstream Jewish and Christian interpretations of modern events.
To them, remaining faithful means resisting the allure of political sovereignty and waiting for the divinely orchestrated redemption that will bring about the true peace promised by the prophets. Whether one agrees with them or not, Neturei Karta challenges us to consider the spiritual consequences of political actions and to discern carefully between true redemption and its potential counterfeits.
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