Satmar-Funded Campaign Blasts Netanyahu in Times Square

A large-scale advertising campaign targeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been launched in New York's iconic Times Square. The campaign, funded by Satmar Hasidic followers and organized by the "Neturei Karta" group, features billboards with slogans such as "Netanyahu Does Not Represent American Jews," "Zionism is Not Judaism," and "Not in Our Name." The initiative was reportedly financed by tens of thousands of dollars raised from New York Jews who are "deeply frustrated" by Netanyahu's perceived use of Jewish communities in his political battles.

The campaign began on the eve of a recent holiday and was displayed on Broadway before moving to Times Square, a globally recognized advertising hub. The organizers stated that their goal is to protest Netanyahu's recent remarks at the UN, where he criticized New York City Mayor Eric Adams and claimed that New York's Jews no longer feel safe. The campaign aims to distance the broader Jewish community from the actions and statements of the Israeli government.

Rabbi Moshe David Katz, founder of 'Torah Jews' and chairman of 'Neturei Karta,' explained that the funds were gathered "dollar by dollar" from New York Jews who feel their voices are being silenced and that they are not properly represented. He emphasized that "the exploitation of our holy religion for the promotion of a foreign government's agenda is deeply painful" and that "Jews are not an extension of the State of Israel."

The campaign has garnered significant international media attention, with coverage from outlets like Middle East Eye, Roya News in Jordan, Quds News Network, TRHaber in Turkey, and Independent Urdu. These reports have reached audiences across the Middle East, Turkey, Pakistan, and the wider Urdu-speaking world, amplifying the message beyond its initial New York display. The campaign is also prominently featured on the TorahJews.org website, providing further context and explanation for its objectives.