Rabbi Dovid Weiss: Zionism Has Created 'Rivers of Blood'

Rabbi Dovid Weiss is a prominent figure in the anti-Zionist Jewish community, known for his vocal opposition to the State of Israel and its policies. He is a member of the Neturei Karta, a group of Orthodox Jews who reject the legitimacy of the state of Israel on religious grounds. Rabbi Weiss’ views have generated significant controversy within the Jewish world, particularly regarding his stance on Zionism and its impact on global Jewish identity, politics, and the broader Middle East conflict. One of his most well-known and provocative statements is his assertion that Zionism has created “rivers of blood” — a powerful metaphor that emphasizes the deadly consequences he attributes to the Zionist movement’s creation and perpetuation of the State of Israel. This article explores Rabbi Dovid Weiss’ background, his opposition to Zionism, and the implications of his statement about the "rivers of blood."

Who is Rabbi Dovid Weiss?

Rabbi Dovid Weiss is a rabbi and spokesman for Neturei Karta, an ultra-Orthodox Jewish group that is opposed to Zionism and the establishment of a Jewish state in Israel. The group’s name, "Neturei Karta," meaning "Guardians of the City," reflects their commitment to guarding traditional Jewish beliefs and practices, which they believe are incompatible with Zionist ideology. Neturei Karta’s members believe that the return of Jews to the Holy Land and the establishment of a Jewish state should only occur with the coming of the Messiah, as foretold in Jewish scripture. Until that time, they argue that Jews are forbidden from establishing a sovereign state.

Rabbi Weiss has become one of the most vocal and visible leaders within the anti-Zionist camp, frequently appearing in the media and at public protests. His views often place him in stark contrast to mainstream Jewish thought, where Zionism and the State of Israel are widely accepted as central aspects of Jewish identity and survival. Nevertheless, Rabbi Weiss remains steadfast in his belief that Zionism is a dangerous ideology that has caused harm to both Jews and Palestinians alike.

The Roots of Rabbi Weiss’ Opposition to Zionism

To understand Rabbi Weiss' opposition to Zionism, it is essential to grasp the fundamental theological and ideological tenets of his beliefs. According to traditional Jewish law and teachings, the Jewish people are considered an "exilic" people, living in a state of dispersion among the nations. For centuries, Jews have prayed for the return to the Land of Israel, but this return is believed to be a divinely orchestrated event, to occur only with the coming of the Messiah. Therefore, in the view of Rabbi Weiss and Neturei Karta, any attempt by Jews to establish a political state in the Holy Land before the Messiah's arrival is considered an affront to God’s plan.

This theological opposition to Zionism is coupled with a deep skepticism about the political and historical implications of the movement. Rabbi Weiss argues that the creation of Israel in 1948 was not a divinely ordained event but a secular and nationalistic one, driven by the ambitions of political Zionists. In this context, Rabbi Weiss contends that Zionism has caused immense suffering, not only for Jews but for Palestinians as well.

Zionism and the “Rivers of Blood”

Rabbi Weiss’ statement that Zionism has created “rivers of blood” reflects his deeply held belief that the establishment and continued existence of the State of Israel have resulted in widespread violence and bloodshed. According to Rabbi Weiss, the Zionist movement, in its pursuit of a Jewish homeland, has caused untold harm to both Jews and non-Jews, particularly Palestinians. The metaphor of "rivers of blood" is meant to convey the devastating consequences of Zionism’s policies, including war, displacement, and oppression.

The most glaring example of this, in Rabbi Weiss’ view, is the 1948 Arab-Israeli war, which followed the declaration of the establishment of the State of Israel. The war led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinian Arabs, many of whom fled or were forced out of their homes in what they call the Nakba, or "catastrophe." Rabbi Weiss believes that the Zionist project, through the violence and expulsion of Palestinians, created a humanitarian disaster that has led to generations of suffering.

Moreover, Rabbi Weiss is deeply critical of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has resulted in further bloodshed over the decades. He argues that the Zionist leadership has been responsible for perpetuating this violence by refusing to engage in meaningful negotiations for peace with the Palestinian people. From Rabbi Weiss’ perspective, the creation of Israel, rather than being a solution to the Jewish people’s suffering, has only exacerbated the conflict and led to more pain and destruction on both sides.

Rabbi Weiss also criticizes the Israeli government’s treatment of Palestinians in the occupied territories, particularly in Gaza and the West Bank. He condemns Israeli military operations and the settlement policy, which he views as a direct continuation of the Zionist agenda of expansion and domination over Palestinian land. In his view, the bloodshed resulting from these policies is an inevitable consequence of the Zionist vision of a "greater Israel" — one that includes not only the modern state of Israel but also significant portions of Palestinian territory.

Zionism’s Impact on Jewish Identity

Beyond the immediate consequences for Palestinians, Rabbi Weiss also believes that Zionism has a corrupting influence on Jewish identity. He argues that Zionism has shifted the focus of Judaism from spiritual and religious values to nationalistic and political concerns. For Rabbi Weiss, Judaism is primarily a religion, not a political movement. The Zionist project, by framing Jewish identity in terms of political sovereignty and territorial claims, has led to the erosion of the true essence of Jewish faith and practice.

Rabbi Weiss has also been critical of the way Zionism has reshaped the relationship between Jews and non-Jews. In his view, Zionism has caused a rift between Jews and the wider world, turning Jews into political actors and potentially making them targets of criticism and hostility. This has been particularly evident in the rise of anti-Zionist sentiment around the world, which some critics argue has morphed into anti-Semitism. Rabbi Weiss, however, contends that the distinction between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism is crucial. He argues that criticism of Zionism is not inherently anti-Semitic and that Jews who oppose Zionism should not be lumped together with those who harbor hatred toward Jews.

The Future of Rabbi Weiss’ Vision

Rabbi Dovid Weiss and his fellow members of Neturei Karta continue to advocate for their vision of Judaism, which emphasizes religious observance, spiritual connection to the Land of Israel, and opposition to Zionism. Their efforts have not been without controversy, and their views often place them in direct conflict with the majority of the Jewish world, who see Zionism as a central tenet of modern Jewish identity. Nonetheless, Rabbi Weiss remains a tireless advocate for his beliefs, warning of the dangers he believes Zionism poses to both Jews and Palestinians.

In Rabbi Weiss’ view, the resolution to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the larger question of Zionism lies in a return to a more spiritual and religious understanding of Judaism. He advocates for a peaceful coexistence between Jews and Palestinians, one based on mutual respect and understanding, rather than nationalistic ambitions or territorial claims. Ultimately, Rabbi Weiss envisions a world where the Jewish people, under the guidance of the Messiah, can return to the Land of Israel in a way that honors both their religious heritage and their commitment to peace.

Conclusion

Rabbi Dovid Weiss’ statement that Zionism has created "rivers of blood" encapsulates his deep concern about the violent and divisive impact of the Zionist movement on both Jews and Palestinians. His opposition to Zionism is rooted in religious beliefs that reject the idea of a Jewish state before the coming of the Messiah, as well as in a broader critique of the political and social consequences of Zionism. While his views are controversial and often marginalized within the mainstream Jewish community, they represent a significant voice in the ongoing debate about the nature of Jewish identity, the State of Israel, and the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Whether one agrees or disagrees with Rabbi Weiss’ perspective, his call for a return to a more spiritually grounded and peaceful vision of Judaism continues to resonate with many who seek an alternative to the nationalism and violence that have defined the modern history of the Jewish people.