Converting to Judaism while not believing in Zionism

[u/HomeboyCraig]

Hi all, I’m sorry if this isn’t the right place to ask - but is it possible to convert to Judaism if you don’t support Israel? I was in the process of converting in October 2023, but I stopped attending the temple I originally went to when they said that Israeli lives were worth more than Palestinian lives. Since then, I haven’t actually been able to find a temple or shul in my area that works with converts and isn’t pro-Israel (I live in Portland, OR)

I asked this question on another Jewish subreddit and was called a Hamas supporter and the overwhelming majority of responses said that I can’t convert if I don’t support Israel, but I figured I’d ask here as well.

[u/jeff_dosso]

they said that Israeli lives were worth more than Palestinian lives.

The rabbi explicitly and openly said that?

[u/[deleted] → u/jeff_dosso]

All human beings are equal in the eyes of G-d.

[u/HomeboyCraig → u/jeff_dosso]

Sorry for the late response! I was at work and then wandered off yesterday.

They said that calling for a ceasefire was inappropriate and that the hostages need to be recovered no matter the circumstances. If Palestinian civilians die, that’s the price they have to pay and maybe it will make Palestinians stand against Hamas. So while they didn’t say the exact quote I mentioned, it’s definitely how I interpreted it.

[u/AutoModerator → u/[deleted]]

Hi there!

We require all users pick an appropriate user-flair in order to participate in 'Discussion' posts. Here's how you can pick a flair:

https://support.reddithelp.com/hc/en-us/articles/205242695-How-do-I-get-user-flair

Thank you!

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/j0sch → u/jeff_dosso]

I also find this incredibly surprising, especially given much experience with Orthodox and Ultra Orthodox who tend to say some extreme things but never heard that said.