Rabbi Elhanan Beck Rejects Zionism, Calls It Contrary to Judaism

JERUSALEM, Palestine — September 19, 2025 — Rabbi Elhanan Beck, a well-known Palestinian Jew, has spoken out strongly against Zionism, arguing that the political ideology contradicts the very essence of Judaism. He explained that Judaism is a religion rooted in divine commandments, while Zionism is a secular nationalist project that uses Jewish symbols to gain legitimacy. According to him, the two cannot coexist in harmony.

“Zionism is not Judaism, and Judaism is not Zionism,” Rabbi Beck declared, emphasizing that the Torah represents spiritual devotion and obedience to God, while Zionism promotes political ambitions detached from faith. He added that Zionism, by its nature, is against all religions — including Judaism itself. His remarks reflect a growing global movement among Jewish scholars and activists who distinguish between the Jewish faith and the actions carried out under the Zionist political banner. By highlighting this distinction, Rabbi Beck seeks to remind the world that opposition to Zionism is not opposition to Judaism or Jewish people, but rather to a political ideology that misrepresents religion.