'You're worse than Hitler'
What was meant by that? Perhaps it was thought by the Hassids that the Zionists were heritics?
shareZionism is considered by the Hasids a "contaminated idea." They believe in the Torah literally (they believe it was written by God) and so believe in everything it says- word for word. The Torah says something along the lines of "the Messiah will lead you back to the Holy Land." Therefore, anyone who inhabits the Holy Land before the Messiah comes is breaking what they believe to be a foundation of Judaism, and is considered an apikoros, one who denies a basic tenet of their Judaism. To the Hasids, turning your back on/denying your Judaism is worse than the crimes committed by Hitler.
Did that make any sense?
I disagree with the analysis above. Religious Zionists(Kipot Srugot) and some Hasidic groups(most notably the largest, Chabad) both take the Torah literally and believe that it is G-d's will that the Jews be in Israel; that going to Israel will hasten the coming of the messiah.
shareNo, the analysis above is correct, I think. It perfectly explains the attitude of SOME Orthodox Jews of the time, and even currently. The position is not widely held, but it was held by the group in the film.
shareThe Satmar Hassidim do not believe Israel should exist, but most Hassidim disagree with the Satmar and are very happy with Israel.
shareHis analysis is correct in analyzing most Haredi groups. Chabad of course supports Zionism, but they are a fairly mainstream Hasidic group.
Am Yisrael Chai!
As in all aspects of Jewish life there is room for debate and disagreement, and the issue of Zionism (i.e. Jews settling Eretz Yisrael before the Messiah has appeared and led them there) is an issue that divides Orthodox Jewish groups. Some think the Jewish state is great, while others (like Satmar Hasidim, and Danny Saunder's group in "The Chosen") think that the Jewish State is a grave sin.
share