Neturei Karta Delegation Meets Hamas Political Leader Ismail Haniyeh in Gaza
-
July 17, 2009 -
Gaza -
Meetings -
Ismail Haniyeh -
Share -
Print page -
1
During the second Viva Palestina American convoy to the Gaza Strip on July 17, 2009, where a Jewish delegation was instrumental in participating, a delegation of Jewish rabbis from Neturei Karta met with Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Gaza.
The meeting began with a private session where the rabbis presented a gift to Haniyeh, who in turn gave them a symbolic gift: a framed map of historic Palestine.
After the private meeting, they held a public press conference where Haniyeh expressed his appreciation for the humanitarian efforts and the support from Jewish communities .
“We are extremely happy at the arrival of the second ‘Viva Palestina’ American convoy to the Gaza Strip,” Haniyeh stated. “We really appreciate this humanitarian position, and we are even happier that this convoy includes Jewish people ; it sends a significant message to the Palestinian people.”
Haniyeh emphasized the importance of the meeting, noting the eagerness of the Palestinian leadership to communicate directly with the Jewish delegation. He clarified the stance of Hamas, stating, “We do not consider the Jews as our enemies because they are Jews. The problem is with the occupation – the occupation that took our land, sent our people into exile, and launched wars against us. Among these wars was the recent conflict in Gaza and the ongoing siege that has lasted for more than two years.”
He reiterated that the conflict is not with the Jewish people as a whole but with the Zionist occupation of Palestinian land. “So this is the real problem for the Palestinians – with the occupation – and not with the whole Jewish people, who are just as [against] the occupation of the Palestinian land,” Haniyeh stated.
According to Palestinian press reports, Haniyeh described the group as “heroes.” He said: “Our problem is with the occupation, which is based on the Zionist ideology and its desire to disperse the entire Palestinian people.”
He added: “These religious figures who express their objection to the siege, aggression, and crimes, we can only respect them and respect their beliefs and culture.”
Haniyeh expressed his gratitude for the solidarity shown by anti-Zionist Jewish communities, highlighting their protests and activities in the United States and Europe against the occupation and the war on Gaza. “We constantly follow your activities, whether in the United States or in Europe, especially your steadfast condemnation and refusal of the recent war launched against Gaza. We see your demonstrations, your sit-ins, and all your efforts showing solidarity with the Palestinian people. This is a good opportunity to express our thanks and gratitude in the name of the Palestinian government and the Palestinian people.”
After Haniyeh addressed the press conference, Rabbi Yisroel Dovid Weiss of Neturei Karta spoke and delivered a message from the anti-Zionist communities about the Jewish opposition to Zionism.
“We feel your suffering, and we mourn your pain,” Rabbi Yisroel Weiss was quoted by the Associated Press. “It is your land, and it is occupied unjustly and illegitimately by people who stole it and hijacked our Jewish identity and faith,” he added.
“This meeting is an example that makes clear and reminds the world of the beautiful peace that did exist in Palestine prior to the movement of Zionism. We hope this should be the case in the future with a totally free Palestine soon in our days,” said Rabbi Weiss.
Gallery
May the good people of Neturei Karta continue creating bonds of true friendship with those of other faiths. May the good people of Neturei Karta, through their impeccable character and pure hearts, strengthen the bonds of trust they have forged with those of other faiths. May the good people of Neturei Karta live long, fulfilling and happy lives