1. The Definition of the Neturei Karta group.

The Neturei Karta group is a spearhead group within the Jewish People, who are prepared to stand up and express openly a religious and humanitarian philosophy held in essence by large numbers (hundreds of thousands) and possibly the majority of authentic Orthodox Jews. A philosophy totally opposed to the attitude adopted by the Zionists and to Zionism as a whole.

The philosophy in essence is that for the last two thousand years or so the Jewish people have been in a state of exile decreed by the A-lmighty. The Jews were exiled from their land because they did not maintain the standards expected of them. This state of exile is the situation that exists right up to the present day. It is a basic part of our belief to accept willingly the Heavenly decree of exile and not to try and fight against it or to end it by our own hands. In practical terms, exile for us means that Jews must be loyal subjects of the countries in which they live and not attempt to rule over the established indigenous populations of those countries. And of course this includes Palestine.

The Zionist movement founded approximately 100 years ago based on secular nationalistic aims, was a complete abandonment of our religious teachings and faith - in general - and in particular regarding our approach to our state of exile and to the peoples among whom we live.

2. Neturei Karta's position towards Israel

The ideology of Zionism is to take the law into ones own hands and to try to force the outcome in the form of a State irrespective of the cost in life and property to anyone who stands in the way. The Palestinians stood in the way.

The practical outcome of Zionism in the form of the State known as 'Israel' is completely alien to Judaism and the Jewish Faith and has been and continues to be the cause of untold suffering and bloodshed both Jewish and non-Jewish.

The apparent connection between Judaism and Zionism is false. The connection has been nurtured by the Zionists in order to ensnare as many Jews as possible within their net.

According to the Torah and Jewish faith, the present Palestinian Arab claim to rule in Palestine is right and just. The Zionist claim is wrong and criminal.

It follows, therefore, that the Jewish people have no right to rule today in Palestine.

One must add to this wrong, the fact that in order to achieve an ill conceived nationalistic ambition, a shocking contravention of natural and humanitarian justice was committed by the Zionists in setting up an illegitimate regime in Palestine completely against the wishes of the established population, the Palestinians, which inevitably had to be based on loss of life, killing and stealing.

Our attitude to Israel is that the whole concept is flawed and illegitimate. It is a tragedy for the Palestinians and also for the Jewish people.

3. Neturei Karta's position towards Zionist Jews

The Zionists have made themselves to appear as the representatives and spokespeople of all Jews thus, with their actions arousing animosity against the Jews. But, this is simply not true! Zionism is not Judaism. Zionists cannot speak in the name of Jews.

Although, it must be remembered that a large number of people living within the Zionist State are there by force of circumstances and are by no means ideological Zionists. Their support for the Zionist State is by force of habit and circumstance. They would be quite happy to live under a Muslim regime if they would be allowed to do so in safety.

4. Neturei Karta's position towards Muslims and Arabs

The connection between Muslims and Jews goes right back into ancient history. Mostly the relationship was friendly and mutually beneficial. Historically, the situation frequently was that when Jews were being persecuted in Europe they found refuge in the various Muslim countries. Our attitude to Muslims and Arabs can only be one of friendliness and respect.

To sum up.

We consider the Palestinians as the people with the right to govern in Palestine.

The Zionist oppression, abuse and murder of Arabs is a tragedy not only for the Palestinians but for the Jewish people as well.

The continuing existence of the Zionist State is the underlying cause of the strife in Palestine.

It must be clear that opposition to Zionism and its crimes does not imply hatred of Jews. On the contrary Zionism itself and its deeds are the biggest threat to Judaism.

Governments of the world should realise that supporting Zionists and Zionism is not helping Jews or Judaism but only perpetuates the tragic impasse and constant bloodshed in the Middle East.

We are waiting for the annulment of Zionism and the dismantling of the Zionist regime, and would welcome the opportunity to dwell in peace in the holy land under a rule which is entirely in accordance with the wishes of the Palestinian People.

We pray for a solution to the terrible and tragic impasse that exists. Hopefully based on results brought about by moral, political and economic pressures imposed by the nations of the world.

pp Neturei Karta - UK

Rabbi Ahron Cohen

http://www.nkusa.org/activities/recent/MABLondon03.cfm