Anti-Zionist Jews Protest Israel’s 78th Independence Day at Washington Square Park

A Public Stand Against Zionism in the Heart of NYC

On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, anti-Zionist Jews gathered in Washington Square Park to protest Israel’s 78th Independence Day celebration. The event, organized by Zionist students at New York University, drew a visible counter-presence of Jewish protesters who came to challenge the narrative presented at the celebration.

Participants emphasized the importance of showing up publicly to clarify a fundamental distinction: that the State of Israel does not represent all Jews, nor does it speak in the name of Judaism as a religion.

Commemorating the Nakba and Its Lasting Impact

Alongside the protest, the anti Zionist Jews marked the anniversary of the Nakba, describing it as a day of mourning and reflection. Protesters highlighted it as the lasting consequences of that period, linking it to ongoing suffering and instability in the region today.

The establishment of the State of Israel is viewed as a day of mourning. even aside from the violence and displacement associated with it, the very creation of a Jewish state through political and physical means contradicts traditional Jewish teachings.

The anti-Zionist Jews expressed the belief that Jewish exile is a divine decree that should not be ended through human force. They emphasized a religious obligation to rely on faith rather than political sovereignty, viewing attempts to establish a state as a violation of the Torah. and of course , the suffering, displacement, and loss experienced by Palestinians since 1948 further deepen their opposition, reinforcing their stance that such actions stand in conflict of the foundations of Judaism.

“Judaism Is Not Zionism”

Speakers and attendees repeatedly stressed that Zionism is a political ideology, not a religious obligation. Protesters said their presence was meant to send a clear message to the wider public—that many Jews around the world oppose Zionism and reject the idea that Jewish identity is tied to Zionism or the crimes of the Israeli state.

Rabbi Dovid Feldman Addresses the Press

Rabbi Dovid Feldman spoke to members of the press during the protest, highlighting the importance of the demonstration.

He stressed that public visibility is crucial in order to counter the widespread misconception—that Zionism and its actions reflect the beliefs of all Jews. According to Rabbi Feldman, speaking out is part of a responsibility to uphold the authentic Jewish teachings.

Protesting The Zionist Current Wars

Protesters also pointed to ongoing violence and conflict in the region, expressing strong opposition to the genocide in Gaza, the West Bank, and beyond. They framed their stance as rooted in moral and religious principles, arguing that such actions contradict the ethical foundations of Judaism and is a direct violation of Jewish belief and teachings .