▸ Key Takeaways
- It’s shocking and puzzling to see Jews align themselves with anti-Israel and even anti-Jewish groups.
- To understand this phenomenon, we need to understand that there are a plethora of different ethnic Jewish groups and religious sects that have widely differing beliefs.
- It is not possible to stereotype all Jews into one set of political or religious views.
- Satmar Jews believe the nation of Israel to be illegitimate – a direct violation of God’s will for the Jews. They live in New York City and support Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
- Chabad-Lubavitch Jews also live in New York City – in different neighborhoods than the Satmar Jews – and support the nation of Israel.
- Modern Orthodox Jews believe the land of Israel was promised to the Jews by God. About 94% of them are Zionists.
- These three groups of Jews together – Modern Orthodox, Chabad and Satmar – are less than 15% of the total Jewish population in the U.S.
- The majority of American Jews are secular, not religious; they are Democrats, and many of them embrace socialism/Marxism.
- In a Pew Research survey, 42% of adult American Jews said they didn’t believe God gave the land of Israel to the Jewish people… and 24% of them don’t believe in God at all.
- Messianic Jews – ethnic Jews who believe Jesus is both their promised Messiah and Savior from their sins – is a growing and influential group in the U.S., comprising between 3% and 11% of the Jewish population depending on the definition of Jewish heritage.
It’s shocking to see a Jewish person join those who hate Jews.
It’s puzzling to see a Jew dressed in traditional orthodox clothing holding a protest sign against Israel and supporting Hamas.
It’s confusing that a Jew would support candidates that want to destroy Jews.
Is it self-hatred? Indoctrination? Political ideology?
To understand these seeming contradictions, think about how many different sects and groups of Jews there are:
- Ethnic non-religious Jews
- Secular Jews
- Reformed Jews
- Conservative Jews
- Liberal Jews
- Socialist Jews
- Modern Orthodox Jews
- Zionist Jews
- Anti-Zionist Jews
- Non-Jewish converts to Judaism who identify as Jews
- Messianic (born-again Christian) Jews
- And many other Jewish sects
The problem is, we like to think in terms of stereotypes.
We like to categorize people into homogenous groups.
But this can’t be done with Jews… or with any other race or religion, for that matter.
There are just about as many different Jewish groups – with different beliefs and practices – as there are Christian denominations.
We must respect that there are radical doctrinal differences between different Jewish sects… and we must not brand all Jews with the beliefs held by any one single group.
Let’s examine why some Jews support the nation of Israel while other Jews believe that Israel has no right to exist as a self-governing nation.
Satmar Jews.
Founded in Romania.
Centered mostly in New York today.
Led by a Rebbe – Yiddish for “my master” or “my teacher.”
They speak Yiddish and practice strict modesty.
They believe in strict adherence to the Torah and the Talmud – rabbinic commentary on how to apply the Torah in daily life.
They believe God decreed that the Jews must remain in permanent exile until the miraculous arrival of the Messiah.
They are opposed to a Jewish state – in their view, the state of Israel is a direct violation of God’s will.
They do not support the violent destruction of Israel… but isolate themselves from Israeli civic life.
Other characteristics:
- Complete separation from modern secular culture
- Forbid military or national service
- Reject modern social media and Western education
- Men wear black coats and hats
- Married women wear head coverings
They align themselves with Zohran Mamdani, the Muslim Mayor of New York City.
Chabad-Lubavitch Jews.
Founded in 18th-century Russia.
Headquarters were in Lubavitch – “city of brotherly love” in Russian.
Chabad – Hebrew acronym for wisdom, understanding, knowledge.
Most Chabad Jews today are in New York and Israel.
Like the Satmar Jews, Chabad Jews are deeply committed to obeying Jewish law.
Like the Satmar, Chabad Jews are non-political.
But the Chabad support the land and the state of Israel.
They engage with culture and reach out to secular Jews to bring them closer to Judaism.
Satmar and Chabad Jews live in separate neighborhoods in New York City.
They are polite with each other in business dealings, but are not social allies.
Chabad Houses – local centers providing educational, religious and social services – exist in more than 100 countries.
Modern Orthodox Jews
Most notable practices are following kosher dietary laws and observing Shabbat – the Sabbath.
They blend into society more than the Satmar and Chabad groups.
About 94% identify as Zionists:
- They believe the land of Israel was promised to the Jews by God.
- The existence and the security of the state of Israel are core components of their religious identity.
According to Pew Research, 75% of Modern Orthodox Jews are Republican or lean Republican.
In a Pew Research survey, they generally rated both President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu positively.
But only 9% of U.S. Jews describe themselves as Orthodox.[i]
Other U.S. Jews
The Jewish population of the U.S. is approximately 7.7 million.[ii]
The Jewish groups described above are small minority groups within the overall Jewish population.
The major Jewish groups in the U.S. are:
- Reform – 37%
- Conservative – 17%
- Orthodox – 9%
- Hasidic – Satmar, Chabad and others – 5%
- Messianic Jews (born-again converts to Christianity) – between 3% and 11%
- Secular – non-religious Jews – 32%
The majority of American Jews identify as Democrat or lean toward the Democratic Party.
Many openly embrace Socialism/Marxism.
In the Pew survey, 42% of Jewish adults said they believe God “did not literally give” the land of Israel to the Jewish people…
And 24% said they don’t believe in God at all.
In spite of these dismal numbers, 58% of Jews in the U.S. are either very or somewhat emotionally attached to the land of Israel.
Finally, more than half of the respondents rated President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu negatively.
Messianic Jews
The most commonly-cited number of self-identified Messianic Jews in the U.S. is in the range of 175,000 to 250,000.[iii]
A Lifeway Research study places the number at 871,000 – in which at least one parent or grandparent has ethnic Jewish heritage.[iv]
Whatever the current number is, Messianic Jews are a growing and powerful group of Jews who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Messiah, Lord and Savior.
They believe that Jesus – an ethnic Jew Himself – died to pay the just penalty for their sins, and rose from the dead.
Years ago, one of my ad agency clients was the organization Jews for Jesus.
It’s one of many Jewish groups that are evangelical to the core.
They are pro-Israel, pro-America, and pro-freedom.
Summary
Just as there are many different Christian denominations, with differing beliefs and behaviors, so there are many different Jewish sects and groups with different beliefs and different attitudes toward the nation of Israel.
The Satmar Jews are extreme. They believe that since the Messiah has not come, Israel is illegal as a Jewish state.
This attitude of Israel’s illegality aligns them with Mamdani – and even with the Iranian theocratic government.
They also oppose the Israeli government because it is not a theocracy and it doesn’t enforce orthodox Judaism.
The Left and the Jew-haters often quote the Satmar Rebbe to delegitimize Israel and to attack Zionism.
- The Chabad Jews – like the Satmar Jews – are religiously Orthodox and committed to following the Torah…
But they are non-judgmental – they participate in secular society and welcome anyone who is Jewish… even agnostics and atheists.
They would not judge if a woman came to synagogue with knees exposed.
They are very gracious and are committed to Israel.
Among the secular Jews and the other Jewish groups in the U.S.:
- Some support Zionism
- Some oppose Zionism
- Some support the Israeli government
- Some oppose the Israeli government
There is no stereotype Jewish political or religious position regarding the nation of Israel or regarding the Israeli government.
So when you see Jews against Trump… it’s a segment of Jews you are seeing. It’s not representative of all Jews.
And even the beliefs of anti-Trump Jews vary. Their views are based on their individual beliefs and choices.
What do you think? Email me at [email protected].
FAQs:
Q: Why do some Jews support anti-Israel or even pro-Hamas positions?
A: There are many distinct ethnic, religious, and ideological groups with widely differing beliefs about Israel, Zionism, God, and politics. Stereotyping all Jews as holding one view is inaccurate. Anti-Israel or critical positions often come from specific subgroups, not from Judaism as a whole.
Q: Who are Satmar Jews, and why do they oppose the modern State of Israel?
A: Satmar is a large Hasidic (ultra-Orthodox) group founded in Romania and now centered mainly in New York. They strictly follow the Torah and Talmud, speak Yiddish, practice high modesty standards, and believe Jews must remain in exile until the Messiah arrives miraculously. They view the modern State of Israel as a violation of God’s will.
Q: How do Chabad-Lubavitch Jews differ from Satmar on Israel?
A: Chabad-Lubavitch (founded in 18th-century Russia) is also Hasidic/Orthodox and committed to Jewish law, but it supports the land and State of Israel. Unlike the more isolationist Satmar, Chabad engages the broader culture, runs extensive outreach (“Chabad Houses” in over 100 countries), and welcomes secular or less-observant Jews.
Q: What do Modern Orthodox Jews believe about Israel?
A: Modern Orthodox Jews observe core practices such as kosher laws and Shabbat while integrating more into broader society than ultra-Orthodox groups. Approximately 94% identify as Zionists. They believe God promised the land of Israel to the Jewish people, and the existence and security of the State of Israel form a core part of their religious identity.
Q: How large are these Orthodox/Hasidic groups compared with the total U.S. Jewish population?
A: The U.S. Jewish population is roughly 7.7 million. Orthodox Jews overall are about 9%. Hasidic groups (including Satmar, Chabad, and others) make up about 5%. Modern Orthodox + Chabad + Satmar together represent well under 15% of American Jews. The large majority are secular and not ultra-Orthodox.
Q: What are the main branches of American Jewry and their rough sizes?
A: According to Pew Research and related data:
- Reform: ~37%
- Secular/non-religious: ~32%
- Conservative: ~17%
- Orthodox: ~9%
- Hasidic (Satmar, Chabad, etc.): ~5%
- Messianic Jews: estimates range from 3–11% depending on definition of Jewish heritage
Q: Who are Messianic Jews?
A: Messianic Jews are ethnic Jews (or those with Jewish heritage) who believe Jesus is the promised Messiah and Savior. They are generally pro-Israel, pro-America, and evangelical in orientation. Organizations such as Jews for Jesus are examples of this movement.
Q: Is it accurate to say “Jews” as a group either support or oppose Israel, the Israeli government, or President Trump’s Israel policies?
A: No. There is no single Jewish political or religious position. Views on Zionism, the Israeli government, American politics, and theology vary widely by denomination, level of religiosity, and individual belief.
The majority of American Jews identify as Democratic; many embrace progressive or socialist ideas. In a Pew survey, 42% of Jewish adults said God did not literally give the land of Israel to the Jewish people, and 24% do not believe in God at all.
Q: Why do some left-wing or anti-Israel voices quote Satmar rabbis?
A: Satmar’s theological rejection of the modern State of Israel is selectively cited by anti-Zionists, the political Left, or those hostile to Israel to claim that “even Orthodox Jews” or “Jewish religious authorities” reject Israel’s legitimacy.
About Craig Huey:
Craig Huey is a nationally recognized author, speaker, and publisher of The Huey Alert and Direct Marketing Update. He is also the author of The Great Deception: 10 Shocking Dangers and the Blueprint for Rescuing the American Dream, exposing the lies of socialism and defending America’s founding principles. Craig appears on national media such as FOX, FOX Business, Newsmax and more. He also co-hosts The Huey Alert Podcast with his wife Shelly and helps business leaders, Christians, conservatives, libertarians, young people and more understand the intersection of faith, politics, and freedom.
[i] https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2021/05/21/u-s-jews-have-widely-differing-views-on-Israel/
[ii] https://jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jewish-population-in-the-united-states-by-state
[iii] Olivia Haynie, https://forward.com/culture/722854/what-is-messianic-judaism/
[iv] Joel C, Rosenberg, https://allisraelnews.com/this-yom-kippur-1-million-jews-believe-atonement-comes-only-from-messiah-jesus-and-only-he-can-write-their-names-in-the-book-of-life