Neturei Karta Rabbi Defends Views in Widely Discussed Podcast Interview

JERUSALEM — (VINnews) – Rabbi Yisroel Meir Hirsh, a figure in the anti-Zionist group Neturei Karta, is drawing criticism and support following a podcast interview in which he defended controversial positions on Palestinian groups.

Hirsh appeared on the Yiddish-language podcast “Teef Teef,” hosted by by Ami Magazine’s Senior White House Correspondent Shloime Zionce, who acknowledged at the outset that many listeners would likely object to featuring such an interview.

During the discussion, recorded at his home in Jerusalem’s Mea Shearim neighborhood, Hirsh spoke about the group’s ideology and addressed his past interactions with Yasser Arafat as well as comments regarding Hamas, rejecting their designation as terrorist organizations and describing them as “freedom fighters.”

Zionce challenged Hirsh on those views, at one point asking whether he saw himself as being used as a “token Jew” to advance the Palestinian cause.

The episode has generated strong reactions, with some criticizing the decision to feature Hirsh, while others praised the program’s willingness to air a wide range of perspectives in Yiddish-language media.

The interview took place at Hirsh’s home in Mea Shearim on February 19 and was released on Wednesday April 15.

Zionce said it had originally been scheduled to air earlier but was postponed after consultation with a rabbinic adviser, who suggested delaying it until after the war with Iran.