Demonstration by Orthodox Jewish Fundamentalists Supporting the Nuclear Agreement

Orthodox Jewish fundamentalists from the group "Neturei Karta," which is part of the "Anti-Zionist Jewish Union," protested last week in front of Senator Schumer's office in Manhattan, New York, against "Zionists obstructing the path to global peace." The Jews of this group also condemned the "attacks by Zionists and their supporters" on Barack Obama. The loud opposition from the AIPAC group and some American politicians like Chuck Schumer against the nuclear agreement reached between Iran and global powers, along with their support for the Israeli Prime Minister's position on this matter, has marginalized the views of many Jews who support this agreement. Since July 14, when the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action was reached between Iran and the 1+5 countries in Vienna, the Israeli Prime Minister has launched an all-out war against this agreement and is working hard to convince Congress members to reject it. Netanyahu has intensified his public conflict with Barack Obama, the President of the United States, and the Washington administration to achieve this goal. The New York Times, on August 10, quoted Harav Yisrael David Weiss, a leader of "Neturei Karta," stating that Jews should not be afraid to express their opinions for fear of being labeled "anti-Semitic." Harav Weiss claims that Zionists and their supporters threaten global peace. He emphasized that senators must free themselves from the pressure of Zionists and their insinuations. Members of "Neturei Karta" held the Iranian flag alongside the American flag during their demonstration. Some members of "Neturei Karta" have visited Iran in past years and have worked towards establishing peace with Iran. However, the Israeli security agency has accused Harav Weiss of security offenses for his efforts to reduce hostility towards the Islamic Republic of Iran. In August 2013, Israel also tried another member of "Neturei Karta" on charges of connections with Iran. "Neturei Karta" was formed in 1938 when Jewish immigrants from European countries were fighting for Israel's independence, but members of "Neturei Karta" argued that the establishment of Israel would harm Judaism. Most members of "Neturei Karta" live in the United States and Canada because they consider living in the "illegal" country of Israel a "sin." Several hundred members of "Neturei Karta," who are forced to live in Israel due to poverty, do not receive Israeli identity cards and passports because they do not recognize Israel, preferring to live without Israeli identity documents.