Palestine Talks | In conversation with Rabbi Yaakov Shapiro on the origins of Zionism

In his second appearance on “Palestine Talks,” Rabbi Yaakov Shapiro discusses the troubling psychological origins of Zionism and how it actually reproduced, rather than turned against, anti-Semitism. This would later be reinforced by prominent Zionist figures such as Vladimir Jabotinsky, who expressed utter disdain for Jews who adhered to the Torah, including its principles of non-violence and respect for human life, while promoting cruelty as a “virtue.” Undermining this requires - in Rabbi Shapiro’s view - that Zionists themselves undergo “deprogramming.” This involves them coming to see how they have been falsely indoctrinated as to what Judaism is, as well as how that has led them to engage in unnecessary violence for Israel. For Rabbi Shapiro, a Jewish state is actually a “liability” to the Jewish people.
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[@elias486]

As a German, the description of Zionist Youth as "strong and cruel to their enemies" really sent a shiver down my spine. Those ideals were drilled into the heads of my great-grandparents. We know what happened next.

[@user-td3zy8hu2e]

yor name is elias as arab christen you should than the Jewish state for protecting your people

[@SteveF2025]

As a Jew, this guy’s description of Zionist Youth is total and complete fiction. I really want to know who is paying him, because we know what’s going on in the Islamic world and how get have indoctrinated their youth with toxic hatred. Blaming Israel is a convenient scapegoat.

[@Arielcommenting]

This rabbi is simply ignorant and really does not know much about Zionism. His quotes are out of context.

[@Truth.is.winning]

@@Arielcommenting LOL you're coming across as a BOT. Rabbi Yaacov Shapiro (no relation to RABID Ben) wrote one of the most insightful books on Zionism: The Empty Wagon. And in addition there are many reputable Jewish historians worth their salt who share similar ideas.

[@swamiswaprakashananda2117]

@@Arielcommentingthats a load of no sense right there.

[@TheNamdar1]

“The biggest insult to the memory of the Holocaust is not denying it, but using it an excuse to justify the genocide of the Palestinian people.” - Norman Finkelstein

[@arthurhansl6316]

Norman Finkelstein is very refined person and shows his humanity by criticizing a kind of apartheid and terror regime that makes headlines for many decades: Zionism and the intentional destruction of the Palestinian people! All this despite the tragic history of his parents who were victims of the holocaust!

[@Josephine-y9d]

100%

[@Nusaybah459]

😢💯

[@JohnSmith-nj3jf]

Qualifying zionism of Judaism is another great insult to religions.

[@rexcowan9209]

Right or wrong, the credit of good will to the people of the Holocaust is just about used up in many people's mind, especially the young. Sadly history is not well taught, history of Islam and its texts would if well known, lead to an entirely different understanding of what is going on.

[@123dogone]

Thank you Rabbi Yaakov I'm a man and, I want to thank you for your brilliant explanation of the problems we are facing, affecting us all non-Jewish people alike, I can only hope we can put our egos aside and have the courage to admit that we have all been mislead

[@familiedattel-playmobil]

[@sandyFreePalestine]

I was in a religious cult for 15 years, and I understand EXACTLY what this Rabbi is saying. What shocks me is that so few cult experts and psychologists speak out about how Zionism operates like a cult. That really, really shocks me. It’s blatantly obvious, yet it remains a minority view.

[@sutpremblair1438]

I was also influenced by a cult for many years. Learning about the psychological dynamics of cults helped me to unravel those influences. I also found this interview very compelling because of the cult mentality of Zionism.

[@identitydesign]

It’s the minority view because most people don’t research nor think. They just do… you however are correct! In fact it derives from free mason, and peganism. Let’s just say their god is NOT THE ABRAHAMIC GOD.

[@Cui-bono987]

I have never been in one but I’m familiar how they seem to work and I’ve been saying the same thing the last year with the more I discover about zios.

[@dantheman-yo]

I always call it a cult.

[@tulip2084]

So-called cult expert Steven Hassan is himself a Zionist and totally blind to this aspect of Zionism. Which I find interesting.

[@MehmetUzman]

Paul Salvatori deserves an award for having Rabbi Yaakov Shapiro in this interview.

[@numbersix8919]

As an apostate and antizionist Jew with a Modern Orthodox unbringing I gratefully concur with the rabbi's history and understanding 100%.

[@ShSy-ni6zq]

Same here except Conservadox How can I be sure enough to be an apostate ?

[@ahmedzaki9434]

As a devout Muslim, I want to express my gratitude and reaffirm that I would never allow harm to come to my Jewish brothers and sisters. Most Muslims share this sentiment. You are the closest to us in tradition and heritage-our cousins in faith and humanity. And we will live together in peace once again. Hashem Is great.

[@Giveuspeace]

I'm so glad I listened to this it was worth every minute of my time.

[@sutpremblair1438]

Thank You for featuring Rabbi Shapiro , excellent interview . Very helpful in understanding the history and political events regarding Israel and Zionism.

[@rupertpupkin27]

It's too bad more people dont see this....I believe this man's message might alleviate a lot of the social tension we are all experiencing now

[@PetraKann]

Therapy? They need to be charged and brought to trial

[@jirushimusic5135]

You'll bring 12 years olds to trial? lol that's no better than the IDF crimes.

[@chatisawasteoftime]

Who is they, and for what?

[@malenedietl3369]

You'll put a whole nation on trial? You mean Netanyahu and his helpers should be held accountable for warcrimes and punished, right?

[@kitkatvanilla]

Who is they ? You are that kid from a school who needs the lesson to be repeated several times out loud 📢😂

[@affandeshmukh1582]

The people responsible for the apartheid state in Palestine

[@AhmedSharif-ve9cu]

Dear Rabbi in this chaos on this planet you are a gem may Allah protect you may we benefit from your intellect Ameen

[@tonifaulknor4471]

Rabbi Yaakov Shapiro. "Allah? Planet? Are you tryna be cute, son? Don't you know that earth, is measured flat?"

[@H_Dar792]

A Righteous Jew - much respect and awe for his hard work over the decades. Thank You!

[@JenJams1]

I've noticed less people are allowing themselves to be provoked into an online argument in the comment section. Many come on here to lie about Palestinians, to get a reaction and have a back and forth. I smile to myself when no one takes the bait. God bless the humanitarians. Love to you all ❤

[@Ashamaali]

Great point

[@JenJams1]

@Ashamaali less and less are taking the bait 🙂

[@andrewdyrda8012]

Lie about Palestinians? You're implying something but saying nothing.

[@BlackPill-pu4vi]

Perhaps the so-called provocation is a demand to drag forbidden topics out into the open and address long unhandled injustice. The permavictims can no longer hide behind the modern fables invented to divert the spotlight.

[@BlackPill-pu4vi]

Perhaps the so-called provocation is a demand to drag froibbden topics out into the open and address long ignored injustice.

[@CharlesTyler]

What an excellent interview. Rabbi Shapiro speaks with great clarity, going straight to the heart of the matter.

[@kinndah2519]

I love this interviewer, & I said it before & I'll say it again...I could listen to Rabbi Shapiro for hours. They both have nice accents & voices too.

[@ChristopherNicholasMakarov4120]

Jesus is the Lord! No priesthood no messiah! It doesn't matter what he thinks!

[@kinndah2519]

@ChristopherNicholasMakarov4120 I never said either of them are messiahs, What are you on about?😒

[@JenJams1]

People with emotional intelligence always make the best conversations 🙂

[@kinndah2519]

@JenJams1 Absolutely! And ppl whom are genuinely interested in creating community thru enlightenment. It's approached with empathy, clarity, and eloquence of emotion.

[@zebakhawaja]

The sword was the tongue 👅 of the believer of God and the words of truth of a warrior. The Musa'lims understand the word the Qur'an as the word of Torah, as reading the same book and word of The God, Lord One, The Lah, The Yud, ❤

[@malenedietl3369]

So, Beitar is Jabotinskis Hitler Jugend...Even before nazism, as I understood it. Shocking. Doors into new insights allways open when Shapiro speaks. He is a treasure vault of knowledge. Thanks to both Shapiro and the good host Paul Salvatori.

[@starvingartist3155]

This was incredibly helpful, I couldn't stop listening. very informative. thank you Rabbi Yaakov.

[@matthewsmith9640]

This was the best explanation of Zionism I have ever heard.

[@mikaowx]

More honest ones would disagree... they say there is no ionism without you daism and it comes from there. The phenomenon wasn't called ionism until it became a worldly movement from religious text. This man is a serious dexeiver.

[@shamim621]

Exactly 💯 me too

[@luckasterjov811]

Absolutely briliant interview. Thank tou.

[@miskakerdez3750]

Listening to this interview for the second time. It is so information- dense. Shapiro clearly lays out philosophical, historical and psychological aspects of Zionism and critiques Zionist ideology in a detailed and honest way. What an illuminating conversation. Thank you Yaakov and Paul.

[@roerdomp16e]

Good to hear there this open minded and well articulated view on what being Jewish is all about. He will probably be called a self hating Jew or even antisemite by zionists. A great Dutch Jewish man, who actually had survived the concentration camp and founded the Dutch version of "Not in our name" called "A different Jewish Voice" once said: "In my days an antisemite was someone who hated Jews. Now an antisemite is someone Israel hates".

[@c3920]

This needs more views.

[@dr.florence]

Wow what an amazing talk! I have shared it with lots of people and I hope I can find more reflections by this wise man!

[@enkaiscott]

At 8:30, he hits the nail on the head: 'Overcompensation.' Zionists have a Messiah complex. Every Zionist believes that he, she, or it is the Messiah. However, they fail to understand that the sacrifice God truly desires is the sacrifice of selfishness. Instead, they sacrifice others, as if offering a calf, seeing Palestinians as human sacrifices on the pyre of their god, Molech. Zionism worships Molech, not YHWH.

[@identitydesign]

Do you know who yehweh is? If not here’s some real history: he is a god like Zeus (a Greek god, lowercase) he is worshipped by pegans… the same people that worship gods like isis, Osiris, Ba’al… all gods (lowercase) aka:demon gods. You should actually do some research before you make claims like this unless you are a pegan, and in that case i apologize i don’t mean to offend your gods… I just assumed you believe in GOD (with a capital G) not a bunch or idols and old gods that Hindus worship

[@MoBoostZa]

Wow. Me having a very short attention span...I watched the whole 1h20m. Thank you Yaakov and Paul

[@mairajk4873]

JusticeTo Palestin.

[@H_Dar792]

A Righteous Jew - much respect and awe for his hard work over the decades. Thank You!

[@PizzaMargarita144]

Rabbi Shapiro is a remarkable historian. So much respect and admiration for staying true to objective history and for “putting the ethics before the ethnic” (quote from Dr Norm Finkelstein)

[@susieharmon2229]

Thank you Rabbi Shapiro!!!!! You are my sunshine.

[@Callitout-kl1uq]

I will admit to being nearly illiterate about why those in Israel have become so cult-like, so singularly hateful toward Palestinians, even to teach this to their children. It has been so sad and shocking to hear the young zionists repeating hate that justifies killing. All this from a people who I understand to love learning, value moral behavior, eschew violence, etc. This interview has given me some understanding and so much to think about. I am greatly appreciative.

[@luizsoarespaiva1614]

An incredible human being. Verry rare and precious discernment with a clear vision of what is the difference between spirituality in religion and insecure obsession for power.

[@akko328]

Rabbi Shapiro is a religious scholar worthy of the respect of all of us. He speaks the truth and nothing but the truth! Huge respect for the man!

[@-DeepSigh-]

More people should see this video. More people should absorb and understand this video. A lot of the gripes and anger that people hold would be quelled if we had more understanding. It did for me.

[@gmac8586]

Both houses in the US gov't should see this video.

[@connietrotterdedgrl6861]

Ty for the upload . Rabbi Shapiro is one of my very favorite Americans .

[@Amidat]

He gives some great insights!!! Sadly the western media won't publish things like this

[@identitydesign]

Sadly people still count on mainstream media

[@TalkativeApe-gl1ex]

Very insightful interview. Thanks.

[@AbdeslamCheikh-tg2bx]

PALESTINIANS are dying for their RELIGION, LAND, DIGNITY

[@dreamcatchersong]

This guy cuts through all the propaganda like a warm knife through butter. His best idea is the notion that it's better to live for your country not to die for it.

[@Shie67]

You obviously don't understand judisem and jewish thought.

[@arysandrodossantos9300]

This was simply amazing. Very interesting ❤

[@SmilingSoulful]

Great interview as always. Thank you!

Everyone should watch this.

[@AS_HE_IS_SO_R_WE]

Thanks TRT for hosting this ! !

[@SdeTeimanElectric]

Great talk, thank you!

[@christinaabd]

Thank you for your insights Rabbai, I hope to see an end to Zionism soon so both Israelis and Palestinians live in peace.

[@MrMaher2008]

Excellent, thank you!

[@patward1610]

My Hero, RABBI SHAPIRO

[@CherylNegus]

Thank you so much for your wisdom and enlightenment 😊😊😊

[@Vjaffacake-c6t]

Thank you for your honesty.

[@felicitynefdt9926]

The Palestinians are probably more closely related to the Israelites of the Bible. That lot in Israel are mostly European. Just like they converted to Judaism, so the Palestinians converted to Islam.

[@Suarez-rw2zy]

Many many thanks Rabi Shapiro. Very enlightening and educational. 🙏🙏🙏

[@AbdeslamCheikh-tg2bx]

PEACE UPON HUMANITY WITHOUT ZIONISM AND ONLY THE TRUTH PREVAILS,THANKS FOR YOUR HUMANITY, WE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN RESPECTING THE JEWS , ALL HUMANITY. THEY ARE OUR COUSINS. SO THISE WHO THINK SOMETHING ELSE ARE JUST LIYING. PEACE UPON HUMANITY WITHOUT ZIONISM AND ONLY THE TRUTH PREVAILS

[@vivian9818]

Very good interview. So much information that helps me understand Israel's goal and the shaping of their ideology.

[@JIODHam4s]

Thank you for this valuable video. I am sharing it, and hoping others will too.

[@Jjboneyard]

Love rabbi shapiro, he explains the whole zionist mess from a jewish perspective perfectly

[@jamastunna]

Great breakdown, wish they would have him on more long form podcasts.

[@ABC-b5y]

I like yiu innocence

[@scrappylor]

Thank you !

[@broilergivenquirkily]

Just started reading Rabbi Shapiro’s book, “The Empty Wagon.” I recommend for anyone interested in this topic. bit challenging due to Hebrew and religious references, but it’s worth it.

[@russellgallman7566]

I have appreciated following Rabbi Shapiro.

[@anthonygrimaldi61]

I am very much impressed with the Rabbi. I am informing, and revising, my opinion on these issues. Excellent conversation. Thank you, Rabbi.

[@michaelh2970]

I remember this interviewer from something a few years ago. He was really good. Maybe it'll come back to me.

[@Sana0567]

It’s funny because IOF blames Haredi jews for their failure in the current wars because they need more soldiers to fight!

[@Amidat]

Yeah they correctly say they won't fight for a secular state. It's not biblical

[@TheNamdar1]

Dreams of a greater Israel are OVER!

[@MsGyzy]

Hope so!

[@mikaowx]

unsuspecting people should hear what they say in private

[@cj-jr7iz]

🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯

[@AlexK26496]

Breathtakingly illuminating, thank you rabbi Yaakov !

[@HalimaBrewer]

Wow. This clarifies so much. It fits right in with what Tanihisi Coates says about the trauma of slavery too.

[@zebakhawaja]

ישראל צריכה לבקש מאלוהים סליחה

[@garrek99]

I can't argue against this very knowledgeable scholar but I'd like to pose a question which also serves to indicate my position: Weren't these early Zionists all faithless people? It's not like they chose a path of action that resulted in then losing their faith. They already had none therefore them choosing to morph Judaism into an ethnicity takes on a whole other meaning which goes against the premise of the discussion (which is that the early Zionists were making any choices at all especially one were they decided to overcompensate for shortcomings). It's challenging to say exactly what's on my mind but I guess I'm trying to say that those people wanted to retain their Jewish label even though they had lost their Judaism. Does that make sense?

[@helloalgorythm]

Many Jews in europe were treated as a separate ethnic group regardless of whether or not they were observant of religious customs. Simply by virtue of having their own cultural traditions outside christianity. My Jewish ancestors from Lithuania were non-kosher butchers, but they still very much identified as Jewish. Its a complex identity with many different nuances and sometimes contradictions.

[@nobody586]

Thank you Rabbi Yaakov! I learned so much.

[@ericm4426]

Rabbi is a decent man

[@megane0125]

I think 'rehab' is more accurate

[@malenedietl3369]

Dezionized.

[@ChinnamastaJai]

This was wonderful.

[@H_Dar792]

A Righteous Jew - much respect and appreciation for his well researched work over the decades.

[@teemadarif8243]

32:15 as i listen to and reflect upon it I am also getting a look back in time at 'various other' groups who have very well taken on this same ideology as a coping mechanism. Its as if he is telling their story and how they came to be as well . fascinating yet sad in the same time.

[@nicmart]

“Psychology is the most powerful religion: it turns doubt into bliss. As weakness engenders not humility but arrogance, this new doctrine enjoys great earthly success and lords over all other creeds and cults.” - Karl Kraus, 1874-1936

[@asahmed1980]

You really can't see the forest for the trees. Listening to someone talking about the roots is very informative. Thank you Rabbi Shapiro and Palestine Talks.

[@charlenekoya]

God bless you Rabbi Shapiro

[@BooglestationTermoil]

Religions are not Nationalities, Ethnicities, nor Race.. Deprogrammed is an interesting concept,, Religions are human programs for social coexistence and for answering the big question of ¨why ¨ ... without the answer, the sense of purpose in life is questioned ( an uncomfortable place to be in iff one is acostumed to it being answered for them ) holding the responsibility to answer this to one self can be overwhelming, It´s a constant answering..., Religions shut down this internal dialogue, critical thinking, and provide confort. By associating that all ¨followers¨ have a consensus on this topic as a group, provides sense of unity, a common ground and identity.. ¨we all think the same¨,, what a relief.. Hopefully one day humans will evolve beyond this chapter of religions and loose the fear of ¨Knowing Thyself¨ . Not a Book, Not ¨Someone told me¨, Not ¨my family is... ¨Not a Story a Myth,, Not even a GOD,, NO ..just Thyself.. Find peace within. “If there is no peace in the minds of individuals, how can there be peace in the world? Make peace in your own mind first.” S.N. Goenka

[@Bournie-d4y]

The Zioists don't just want to take Palestine but all regions "from the Mediterranean Sea to the Euphrates River", according to the original Zionist phrase. Netanyahu has announced it, and produced his map at the UN, for decades. One of the earliest times was before the Oslo Accords, I forget whether it was 1997 or before. Somewhere between '92 and '97. Edit: most recently September 2023.

[@ishanjoshi332]

Very helpful to understand -- a telling synthesis, full of insight, especially for an outsider.

[@Mohika881]

Fascinating discussion!

[@claudiageisser2416]

I wish Rabbi Shapiro gave some book recommendations. Thanks for the interview*

[@NewTroll-u1k]

he wrote the empty wagon

[@mgold3986]

I highly suggest you buy his book, The Empty Wagon. It’s 1400 pages long but well worth reading.

[@MrManny075]

The biggest problem people have is those who see themselves as different from the rest, which leads to me, me, me and we, we, we, if they could see everyone as equal human beings we don't have these problems and wars.

[@DimaDima-e7t]

Respect for this Jew. (I am a Muslim )

[@luizsoarespaiva1614]

Bless this man..

[@japanlovesyou]

Wonderful interview! I'd love to hear his take on the seven/thirty laws of the children of Noah as well as his interpretation of the spiritual mission Isaiah related to the children of Israel about how to reach the world so everyone can live in harmony together: ונתתיך לאור גוים להיות ישועתי עד קצה הארץ

[@maidabazaar]

The irony of ironies is that In Lithuanian language a jew is "Žydas". "Zhydas", "Žydas" came from "Žydėti" which means to "bloom". So Herzel never learned Lithuanian. He just took communism and made it's own version of it which he called Zionism. So here we are in a state of godless atheists who act like nazioanal fanatics but very religiously a.k.a Israel.

[@chatisawasteoftime]

The word comes from Yehudi (of Judah), which morphed into Zhid.

[@BashDeCash]

"NaZional"... key takeaway

[@Theworldsucks-kg5jv]

Why people from the former Russian Empire and former Soviet Union have same thing *They believe in the false idea of Judeo-Bolshevism*

[@maidabazaar]

@@chatisawasteoftime Well, coincidences. Might also came from Judah.

[@maidabazaar]

@@chatisawasteoftime Btw, maybe you also know why "zhyd" became a slur in North Europe's Judaism? Asking for a friend.

[@patrickdeckdoctorokeano9146]

I have a theory that i have been working on for nearly 2 decades. Let me preface this by saying that i was raised catholic and taught by the Jesuits for over two decades. The catholic church's abominable history which gave rise to Protestantism strongly influenced this theory. Zionism is about building Utopia. It is a very very old concept. The Catholic church and the word catholic meaning universal has been attempting to create the perfect society through trial and error. In doing so it has erased countless cultures from history. I strongly think that Zionism created Judaism. And not the other way around. In closing, the claim is that Herzl began this movement with the writing of Der Judenstad. The problem with that theory. which i have raised with many Jewish scholars, is that the movement, the first Aliyah, began a full decade before the book was even written. The concept of Zionism plays heavily in Mormon history as well. What fascinates me most is that Judaism and Mormonism both embraced the idea of tithing, as if this money was actually requested by 'god.' There is some wicked deception afoot. I haven't figured it all out. But this notion of a Judaic god creating a people that is better or somehow more 'entitled' than other people should demonstrate the con for what it is.

[@antonsiebrits]

1:14:10 "Zionism is intellectually absurd and needs to be exposed for that."

[@bernardabubnic2512]

Thanking to God for spirit of peace and clarity in your explanation.

[@genevievedenis1734]

Thank you Rabbi Yaakov I admire your deep culture and how you explain these crucial concepts

[@YogaladyToronto]

Fascinating interview! Thank you. About the word: žyd. I speak Lithuanian, many Jews lived in Lithuania and especially Vilnius, which was part of Poland for a number of years. The only word for Jew is: żydas (singular) and žydai (plural). It was not and I think it still is not derogatory.

[@Erosistheonlyreal]

Based individual alert. Protect him from harm.

[@justynagorka3972]

rabbi Yacob is the righteous amongst the nations. ❤

[@anassbellachehab9821]

I think the Zohar is the strange addition to Judaism. It is also behind the Martinist movement, the rosicruscians, the templars, and many "esoteric" imperialist lodges.

[@andrewdyrda8012]

The real problem in Europe was that the Jews did not assimilate into the society of the host nation. The Jews that did want to assimilate, or were already assimilated, were outcast by the Jews who wanted to remain seperate. This was most clearly demonstrate in Poland which gave far too many freedoms to the Jews, who them took advantage of them Zionism also grew out of this desire to be seperate, which can still be clearly seen in the apartheid stsmate of Israel, and the hatred fuelling the abomination of humanity in Gaza. These are truths Jews shy away from.

[@mariannebarnard7048]

My respect, Rabbi Shapiro. You confirm what I thought. Thank you.

[@andrewawad2609]

In a way, their speech was poetic, a revolutionary poetic.

[@matthewregister6082]

Great video. Great job by the rabbi and the interviewer.

[@Thegabub]

I majorily agree with him and understand how he feels about Israel using Judaism as a shield and as an excuse to create the state of Israel. The only thing that makes me nervous is the lack of mention of the native people of the land as agents of their land.

rabbi you are a shining example of a true torah jew may god uplift you and shower you with his blessing , dont let zionist steel your religion keep speaking out i am an arab muslim and 90 % of my close friends are jews have always had jewish friends cant think of a time when i didnt.

[@TheToltec]

Outstanding interview ❤️

[@YVM3311]

Somehow all Jews around the world need to come together and sign a global petition to stop the war and free Palestine 🙏