Elmer Berger (rabbi)

Elmer Berger (1908-1996) was a prominent American Reform rabbi and anti-Zionist activist. He is best known for his staunch opposition to political Zionism and the establishment of the State of Israel, arguing that it contradicted core principles of Reform Judaism regarding universalism and the separation of religion and state.

Berger founded the American Council for Judaism (ACJ) in 1942, an organization dedicated to promoting a Jewish identity based on religious principles rather than nationalistic or political ones. The ACJ advocated for Jewish integration into their respective national societies and opposed the idea of a separate Jewish state. Berger served as the ACJ's executive director for many years and remained a leading voice within the organization until his death.

His views were highly controversial within the Jewish community, particularly after the establishment of Israel in 1948. He authored numerous books and articles criticizing Zionism and Israeli policies, including "The Jewish Dilemma" (1945), "Judaism or Zionism: What Difference to the Middle East?" (1957), and "Memoirs of an Anti-Zionist Jew" (1978).

Berger's legacy remains complex and debated. While he faced significant criticism and marginalization during his lifetime, his arguments against political Zionism continue to be discussed by scholars and activists interested in the intersection of religion, politics, and identity in the Middle East. He is often cited in discussions concerning alternative visions of Jewish identity and the relationship between Judaism and the modern nation-state.