Introduction
I am not Jewish, nor do I claim deep expertise in Judaism. What I do know is that Judaism, like Christianity and Islam, is an Abrahamic religion with deep historical and ethical traditions. My understanding of Jewish beliefs and values comes not from personal experience but through extensive reading and study, particularly on the Israel-Palestine conflict. My recent reading of Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza by Peter Beinart provided valuable insight into Jewish identity, history, and moral considerations regarding Israel and Zionism.
A recent NPR article, “This Synagogue Calls Itself Anti-Zionist—Here’s What That Means in Practice”, explores the unique stance of Tzedek Chicago, a synagogue that openly identifies as anti-Zionist. The article provides a detailed look at what this means in practice, the backlash from mainstream Jewish organizations, and how this perspective challenges prevailing narratives around Jewish identity and Israel.
I do not intend to pass judgment on Judaism or Jewish identity. My perspective is simply that of a human being—one who believes in justice, dignity, and the fundamental equality of all people. As my name Bidrohi (Rebel) suggests, I question narratives that justify oppression, whether they come from religious, political, or nationalistic ideologies. In this commentary, I aim to explore the significance of Tzedek Chicago’s anti-Zionist stance, its impact within Jewish communities, and what it means in the broader struggle for justice in Palestine.
The Jewish Tradition of Anti-Zionism
Contrary to the common perception that all Jews support Zionism, anti-Zionism has long been a part of Jewish intellectual and political thought. Groups such as Neturei Karta, an ultra-Orthodox sect, oppose Zionism for religious reasons, arguing that a Jewish state should not exist before the arrival of the Messiah. Meanwhile, the American Council for Judaism has historically advocated for a clear distinction between Judaism as a faith and Zionism as a nationalist political ideology. Organizations like Jewish Voice for Peace continue to challenge Zionism from a human rights perspective, standing in solidarity with Palestinians against Israeli policies of occupation and apartheid.
Tzedek Chicago’s official anti-Zionist stance aligns with these traditions but also signals a growing awareness within some Jewish communities that Zionism has been used to justify violence and colonial expansion. This is particularly significant at a time when Israel continues to carry out military operations in Gaza and the West Bank, further displacing Palestinian communities.
However, while I agree with these groups and support their solidarity with Arab Palestinians, I disagree with their view that Israel has no right to exist. It is too late to fight for that position. That would have been a valid struggle when Israel was being created by Zionists, displacing native Palestinians. But now, we must accept the reality that Israel is a state, and it is a Jewish state. Our energy should be spent on ensuring that Jewish values—particularly justice and human dignity—are preserved and practiced.
Why This Matters Today
One of the most compelling aspects of the NPR article is its discussion on how Tzedek Chicago navigates the backlash from mainstream Jewish organizations that equate anti-Zionism with antisemitism. This false equivalence has been weaponized to silence critiques of Israel’s policies, making it difficult for anti-Zionist Jews to openly express their views without facing social or institutional consequences.
The existence of Jewish communities like Tzedek Chicago dismantles the idea that opposing Zionism is inherently antisemitic. In fact, it reinforces the notion that true justice requires rejecting nationalist ideologies that privilege one group over another, particularly when that ideology results in oppression, displacement, and apartheid.
I strongly agree with Rabbi Brant Rosen when he said: “The narrative is that the world tried to kill us and Israel saved us — and it’s existential. And it’s not just a political issue. It’s not just an opinion. It’s life itself.” That narrative was true in the early years of Israel’s existence, but it is no longer the case that Jews are being persecuted in the same way as during the Holocaust era. Those times are gone, and I do not see history repeating itself in that form.
As Talia Feld pointed out in the article: “A lot of American Jews live with that very sacred space inside of them for Holocaust consciousness. And then a lot of those same people tie it to the necessity of unqualified support for Israel.” Instead of using this trauma to justify uncritical support for Israel’s policies, I believe we should shift the focus to the values that Rabbi Rosen articulated: “When it comes to Israel-Palestine, Jewish rights and Jewish life should be no more important or sacrosanct than Palestinian rights and Palestinian life. I get that from the Torah, and I get that from just being a human being of conscience.”
A Growing Movement?
The rise of Jewish anti-Zionist movements is not just an internal Jewish debate—it is reshaping broader conversations on Israel-Palestine. As more Jewish voices speak out against Zionism, it becomes increasingly difficult for Israel’s defenders to claim a monopoly on Jewish identity. This shift provides hope that more people, including interfaith activists and human rights advocates, will recognize the need for a just solution in Palestine—one that is not predicated on Jewish supremacy or Palestinian displacement.
Tzedek Chicago’s stance also serves as an example of how religious communities can engage in ethical self-reflection. It acknowledges the need to reckon with historical injustices and stand in solidarity with those who suffer under oppressive regimes, even when those regimes claim to act in the name of one’s own religious or ethnic community.
Conclusion
Tzedek Chicago’s decision to publicly embrace anti-Zionism is a bold and necessary act of moral courage. It reminds us that Judaism, like all faith traditions, is not monolithic and that its core values—justice, compassion, and truth—should not be compromised in the name of nationalism. While I respect their stance, I believe that the energy should not be spent fighting Israel’s existence but rather ensuring that its values align with justice for all—including Palestinians.
As discussions on Zionism and Israel continue to evolve, it is crucial to amplify Jewish voices that challenge the status quo and advocate for a future where Palestinians and Jews can coexist in genuine equality and peace. This article, and the broader movement it represents, is an important reminder that being anti-Zionist is not the same as being anti-Jewish—rather, it is a call to uphold the very ethical principles that many Jewish traditions emphasize: justice and the recognition of the dignity of all people.