"Not all Modern Orthodox Jews, at the present juncture, identify with what the Israeli government does. In Israel many religious Zionists strongly oppose the government because of the disengagement"

Norman Lamm’s observation draws attention to the diversity of views within the Modern Orthodox Jewish community regarding political alignment with the State of Israel. Often, especially outside Israel, there is a tendency to assume a monolithic relationship between Modern Orthodoxy and unwavering support for government policies in Israel. However, as Lamm points out, the reality is much more nuanced. He notes that even among religious Zionists, those who traditionally blend religious observance with the belief in the centrality of the State of Israel to Jewish life, there can be profound disagreements with governmental decisions.

A central example is the disengagement policy, particularly the Israeli government’s withdrawal from the Gaza Strip in 2005. This initiative, designed to advance security and diplomatic interests by unilaterally withdrawing settlements from areas with significant Palestinian populations, was deeply contentious. For many religious Zionists, the government’s decision ran counter to their theological and ideological commitments towards settling the land of Israel as both a religious imperative and a fulfillment of Zionist vision. The disengagement thus became a flashpoint for intra-communal criticism and division, illustrating that identification with the State does not necessarily extend to every policy.

Modern Orthodox Jews, both within Israel and in the diaspora, grapple with these tensions. Their commitment to religious Zionism brings them emotionally and ideologically close to Israel, but their religious and moral beliefs can place them in opposition to certain government actions, especially when such actions are perceived to contravene religious commandments or visions for the Jewish state. Lamm’s statement points to the maturity and complexity within Modern Orthodoxy: loyalty to Israel as an entity does not equate to uncritical acceptance of every government action. Instead, it fosters a more engaged, sometimes oppositional, stance that seeks to influence Israeli policy in line with religious values, reflecting a vibrant democratic and religious discourse within the community itself.