Charedi Israeli Politician Faces Backlash After Being Filmed Dancing to Anti-zionist Neturei Karta Anthem

JERUSALEM – Israeli Minister of Housing and Construction, Yitzhak Goldknopf, is facing significant criticism after being filmed dancing at a family wedding to the song “In their offices, we do not appear, and in the rule of the infidels, we do not believe,” which calls for refusal to serve in the military. The incident occurred on Sunday night at the wedding of his nephew, where Goldknopf was seen dancing with yeshiva students to the controversial tune.

Politicians from across the political spectrum have condemned Goldknopf’s actions. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett tweeted, “The outrage of government ministers about the disrespect for IDF soldiers means nothing when, at the same time, these ministers are transferring billions in budgets that encourage draft evasion. We don’t need condemnations, but rather a simple action: a complete cessation of budgets for evasion.”

השר גולדקנופף ברחבת הריקודים בחתונת אחיינו – כשברקע השירים “בשלטון הכופרים אין אנו מאמינים ובלשכותיהם אין אנו מתייצבים”, ו”נמות ולא נתגייס”@AkivaWeisz (צילום: משה ויסברג) pic.twitter.com/Qo5U4ZI42z

— כאן חדשות (@kann_news) March 23, 2025

Israel Beiteinu leader MK Avigdor Lieberman also weighed in, calling the video “shameful” and criticizing the minister for celebrating with a group that rejects military service. “While our soldiers risk their lives to defend the homeland, a minister in the Israeli government celebrates with draft dodgers to the sounds of the infamous song: ‘In the rule of the infidels, we do not believe,'” Lieberman wrote.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich expressed his outrage, saying, “Shame and disgrace! We can no longer remain silent in the face of the minister’s indifference, disrespect, and ingratitude toward the State of Israel and its heroic soldiers.”

The incident sparked reactions from other members of the cabinet as well. Minister of Intelligence Eli Cohen stressed the importance of the Haredi community sharing in the national defense burden, particularly in light of the ongoing security challenges facing Israel. He called Goldknopf’s participation in the dance “disgusting” and stated, “Such remarks have no place in the discourse.”

MK Michal Waldiger added, “While reservists sit on high alert, waiting for their call-up orders, a minister in the Israeli government dances to a song against the State of Israel. There is a limit to what we will accept in our country.”

Minister of Aliyah and Absorption, Ophir Sofer, said, “Goldknopf is unfit to serve as a minister in the Israeli government. Anyone who is unable to clearly denounce such disgraceful acts should not be part of the leadership, especially in Israel’s most difficult hour.”

Goldknopf responded to the incident, explaining that the music changed during the wedding and that he stayed in place to avoid disrupting the celebration for the groom. “I did not agree with the song in question, and I condemn it. I did not participate in any way with its message,” he said.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later expressed support for Goldknopf, stating, “The minister did well to distance himself from the song that was played at the event he attended and expressed regret. There is no place for songs that oppose serving in the IDF. It is time to unite our forces on the home front against our enemies abroad.”

The controversy follows a broader debate within Israeli politics regarding the military draft and the role of the Haredi community in national service. Despite the backlash, Goldknopf has not indicated any plans to step down from his position.