Ultra-orthodox Jews protest against holiday
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A group of ultra-Orthodox Jews passionately opposed to the existence of the state of Israel burned the national flag and draped black standards of mourning outside their homes yesterday, as ordinary Israelis reflected on the state's growing isolation abroad.
Neturei Karta, a branch of Haredi Judaism, rejects the Jewish state so totally that its members do not vote or use Israeli shekels. They woo Israel's fiercest critics, including the Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
The small group protests each year on the Independence Day holiday that marks the creation of Israel. This year, the protests come at a time when many Jewish Israelis are feeling sensitive about the path the country is taking. Israel's relations with its closest ally, the US, are at their lowest point in years over Jewish settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Neturei Karta ("Guardians of the City"), founded in the late Thirties, has lambasted what it describes as Israel's "aggression and calls for violence" against its enemies. The group is also an ardent supporter of a separate Palestinian state, and has sent several missions to the Gaza Strip. Members believe Jews were sent into exile by divine decree, and are destined to remain stateless until the coming of the Messiah.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments