Why this ultra-Orthodox group refuses to recognize the State of Israel

Countries & Cities · Published 12 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: To most, the establishment of Israel was a historic triumph. But for the Neturei Karta, it was a theological transgression. This small, fringe community follows a strict interpretation of ancient laws, believing that any attempt to rebuild a Jewish state before the Messiah arrives is a direct rebellion against God.

Founded in Jerusalem in 1938 by Rabbi Amram Blau and Rabbi Aharon Katzenelbogen, Neturei Karta—meaning 'Guardians of the City'—emerged from a split within the World Agudath Israel movement. While the Aguda eventually sought a compromise with Zionism following the Holocaust, the founders of Neturei Karta viewed such accommodation as a betrayal of religious law. They maintain that the Jewish exile must continue until a divine intervention brings the Messiah, who will then oversee the resurrection of the dead and a return to Torah law.

The group's ideology is anchored in the 'Three Oaths,' a Talmudic concept suggesting a pact exists between God, the Jewish people, and other nations. They argue that by mass-migrating to the Land of Israel and establishing a secular government, the Jewish people violated the promise not to rebel against the nations that provided them sanctuary. Consequently, they do not recognize Israeli institutions and have historically protested against the secularization of Jerusalem and the violation of the Sabbath in ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods.

This uncompromising stance has pushed the group to the extreme fringes of Jewish life. Their political activism often involves forming alliances with entities hostile to Israel, including the PLO and the Iranian government. Such actions have drawn intense condemnation from other Haredi leaders, such as the Satmar Rebbe, who has denounced their support for militants as a desecion of God's name. While their membership is estimated to be in the low thousands, their presence at international protests remains a highly visible, if deeply controversial, element of the global religious landscape.

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