Dr. Moshe Elad analyzes the roots of Haredi opposition to Zionism: Torah vs. sovereignty | Dr. Moshe Elad
Dr. Moshe Elad's article examines the theological roots of Haredi opposition to Zionism, focusing on the fundamental question of Jewish existence in the Land of Israel: sovereignty or Torah. It describes the Old Yishuv's perception of the Land of Israel as a place for Torah and prayer, and the fear of a secular Jewish state redefining Judaism. The article discusses the 'Three Oaths' and the post-1948 split in Haredi thought between pragmatism and theological opposition.
Dr. Moshe Elad's article analyzes the roots of Haredi opposition to Zionism, focusing on the central question: what is the basis for Jewish existence in the Land of Israel—sovereignty or Torah. The article describes the Old Yishuv's perception, which saw the Land of Israel primarily as a place of Torah, prayer, and holiness, not seeking to establish a state but to maintain a religious community under any rule. In contrast, a secular Jewish state was perceived as a threat attempting to replace Torah identity with a national-political one. The article discusses the 'Three Oaths' and the interpretation given by the Satmar Rebbe, which provided a basis for the position that one should not force the end through the establishment of a state. After 1948, the article describes a split in Haredi perception: Agudat Yisrael and the Lithuanian public chose pragmatism, using state institutions to protect the Torah world, while Satmar and the Edah HaChareidis saw the very establishment of the state as a theological problem. The central paradox, according to the article, is that while a foreign ruler controls the Jew's body but does not define his soul, a secular Jewish state may claim to redefine the meaning of Judaism.