Prominent Jewish Critics of Israel

Intellectuals and Academics

• Albert Einstein: As a Labor Zionist, Albert Einstein supported the Palestinian Jews of the Yishuv. However, he did not support the establishment of a Jewish state or an Arab state to replace Mandatory Palestine, instead asserting that he would “much rather see a reasonable agreement reached with the Arabs on the basis of living together in peace” under the framework of a binational Jewish–Arab state.
• Noam Chomsky: Renowned linguist and political activist who has been critical of Israeli policies¹.
• Norman Finkelstein: American political scientist and author known for his critiques of Israeli policies¹.
• Judith Butler: Philosopher and gender theorist who has expressed anti-Zionist views¹.

Religious Figures

• Rabbi Yoel Teitelbaum: The late Satmar Rebbe who was fiercely anti-Zionist on religious grounds¹².
• Members of Neturei Karta: An ultra-Orthodox Jewish group that opposes Zionism and the State of Israel12.

Activists and Writers

• Ilan Pappé: Israeli historian and socialist activist known for his criticism of Zionism¹.
• Tony Judt: Late historian who advocated for a binational state solution¹.
• Peter Beinart: Journalist and political commentator who has become increasingly critical of Israeli policies¹.

Performers and Artists

• Daniel Barenboim: Renowned conductor and pianist who has been critical of Israeli policies towards Palestinians¹.

Political Figures

• Bernie Sanders: While not opposing Israel’s existence, he has been notably critical of its policies¹.

It’s important to note that opposition to or criticism of Israeli policies does not necessarily equate to opposition to Israel’s existence. Many of these figures advocate for changes in Israeli policies rather than the dissolution of the state.

Additionally, the degree and nature of their opposition vary widely, from critiquing specific policies to more fundamental challenges to Zionism¹².