ISNA Convention Draws Peaceful Rally Against Zionism

By Imam Abdullah El-Amin, TMO

Jews, Christians, Muslims and others gathered at Cobo Hall in Detroit during the height of the Islamic Society of North America’s annual convention for a rally against Zionism and the atrocities currently occurring in Gaza. Many Muslims from the convention attended the rally – and of course in attendance was the expected Palestinian representation. But in addition, a large contingence of Orthodox Jews was there in a big, visible and vocal solidarity with the Palestinians.

Neturei Karta International, the Orthodox Jewish group, occupied booth space in the convention bazaar area to spread their message of Anti-Zionism. They were at the convention from the opening day throughout the weekend until the closing session. They contend that Zionism is really Anti-Jewish according to the Jewish scripture and Jews have no right to even be in Israel and certainly no right to inflict the inhumane death and destruction of the Palestinian people in order to occupy the land.

Rabbi Joel Glauber, in a recent statement made July 25, in New York, said “We, Orthodox Jews, have come here today representing religious communities from around the world, including Jerusalem. We are here to express our solidarity with the suffering people of Gaza and Al Quds, and to express our outrage and condemnation of the ongoing atrocities committed by the Israeli army against the people of Gaza.

We express our solidarity with the suffering Palestinian people. Over the last two weeks hundreds have been murdered, thousands wounded many of them women and children, tens of thousands have become homeless without a roof over their heads, their buildings bombed and destroyed, including hospitals and schools. We feel the pain of the wounded and bereaved.”

These Jews contend that the State of Israel and the Zionist position is against the Torah and no real Jew can condone the Zionist position. They claim the Jews are to be in exile until the Almighty G-d calls them their new land – and this hasn’t happened yet.

But on the other hand there were other Jews at the convention who are big advocates for peace and have been for a long time, but who also consider themselves Zionists by definition. One long-time peace advocate, who was there to push for peace said she was checked by some in the crowd when she said she was a Zionist. This peace advocate is certainly not a fan of the destruction going on in Gaza these days, but also feels Jews have a right to a homeland and we must continue to work together via peaceful means to obtain the means to that end.

Many people the world over, Jews, Christians, Muslims, as well as non-Jews, non-Christians, and non-Muslims see this area as the “Holy Land” where all of Prophet Abraham’s children have a stake. It is the land of the wailing wall, the place where Prophet Jesus walked and was tortured, and it is the place where Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven. So all have an interest

There is a big difference of opinion among all Jewish groups, Reformed, Conservative, Orthodox and others as to what it actually means to be a Zionist, whether you are speaking politically or religiously….. or are they the same. Many of the Jewish people that identify with Zionism contend there needs to be more education between Jews as well as non-Jews so that peace, understanding, and respect will prevail throughout the land.

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