Orthodox Jews to Protest the State of Israel and its Forced Military Draft

New York, NY – June 23, 2026 — Orthodox Jews led by the Rabbinical Alliance of the USA will gather on Tuesday, June 23, in front of the Israeli Consulate in New York City to protest the State of Israel, its ongoing wars, and its recent campaign of forced military conscription.

Participants will condemn the State of Israel and its ongoing crimes against humanity, as well as the persecution of anti-Zionist religious Jews in the Holy Land who refuse military service and who reject participation in actions they believe violate their conscience and the teachings of the Torah. Protesters will also denounce the arrests, intimidation, and brutality directed against those who publicly oppose the Israeli government or refuse to serve in the military.

According to organizers, “forcing Jews into military service against their religious convictions constitutes a violation of freedom of religion, while targeting those who protest represents an assault on freedom of speech”.

Rabbi Luzer Gold, speaking on behalf of the demonstrators, emphasized that “the existence of the State of Israel itself stands in total contrast to basic Jewish belief. He explained that traditional Judaism teaches that the Jewish people remain in a Divinely decreed exile and are forbidden to establish sovereignty through force, wage wars, or rebel against any nation.”

Rabbi Gold related that “The rally will also highlight the distinction between Judaism and Zionism. Judaism is a religion devoted to serving Almighty God and promoting peace, while Zionism is a political movement based on nationalism and continuous wars. The State of Israel does not represent world Jewry and its actions are not condoned by the Jewish religion.

“Demonstrators will further condemn ongoing settler violence and the continued expansion of settlements, which deepen injustice and further distance the region from peace and reconciliation.

“The gathering will express solidarity with anti-Zionist Jewish communities living under the Zionist regime and appeal to the international community to help safeguard their religious freedoms and their right to remain faithful to their beliefs.

“Masses of Jews around the world, from New York to Jerusalem, oppose the State of Israel and its actions and will never participate in or support the Israeli military”.

The Rabbi concluded that “The rally's message will conclude with a call for peace and justice in the Holy Land, together with prayers for an end to bloodshed and suffering and for a future in which all people may live together with dignity and security”.