Extremism

When a non-religious Jew drives through a neighborhood like Meah Shearim on Shabbos and has rocks thrown at his car, or hears someone scream “Shabbos!,” it leaves a bitter impression—not only of that moment, but of religious Jews in general.

Every few months—sometimes even days—a shocking news story or video clip circulates online. A man with a long beard and black hat is yelling at a soldier. A group of boys is burning a flag. Another protest. Another viral moment.

Absolutely not. There is no justification whatsoever—halachically, morally, or ethically—for using the word “Nazi” to describe any Jew, no matter how strongly one may oppose his actions.

To be clear from the outset: the overwhelming majority of the Charedi world is sickened and appalled by the behavior of the fringe group known as Neturei Karta who have visited Iran, embraced Holocaust deniers, and spoken on platforms alongside enemies of the Jewish people.

The Torah’s position is clear: acts of vandalism, destruction of property, and public disorder have no place in a Torah lifestyle. Whether it’s setting dumpsters on fire, scrawling graffiti, or breaking bus stops, such behavior is absolutely forbidden.

Every so often, when a fringe individual dressed in black and white acts outrageously—whether screaming at women, burning a flag, or vandalizing property—the cry arises: “Where are the Charedi Rabbanim? Why aren’t they condemning this publicly?”

The image of Charedim is often confused in the media—blurring the lines between mainstream Torah Jews and small, vocal fringe groups. Some see protestors burning flags and believe they represent the whole.