The Talmud (in Ketobut 110b) contains a legend that when Israel went into exile, God imposed three oaths upon the world: (1) Jews vowed not to return to Israel en masse and with a "strong hand" (i.e., violently); (2) Jews vowed not to rebel against the nations of the world; and (3) in return, the nations vowed not to persecute Jews too harshly.
This story is one Rabbi's opinion, and is recounted as a legend, not as law. It's not picked up by the later Rabbinic codifiers, such as Maimonidies and R. Yosef Karo. But Neturei Karta and some insane Haredi sects interpret it as binding law that forbids Zionism.
Religious Zionists respond, correctly: (1) this is a dubious story from one Rabbi; (2) unlike at Sinai, neither the Jews nor the nations of the world ever accepted these "vows"; (3) even if these "vows" occurred, the nations of the world broke their vow by murdering millions of Jews, absolving the Jews of their vows; (4) the supposed "vows" only prevent a military invasion of Israel, not peaceful mass immigration -- as Zionism was; (5) the League of Nations recognized the right of the Jewish people to the Land of Israel in 1922, therefore, Zionism was done with permission of the nations, not in rebellion against them. Finally, and most importantly, according to the Talmudic story these three oaths are only in effect until the appointed time has come. Given Israel's remarkable achievements, it's clear that the appointed time came with the birth of Zionism. If you want more proof, just look at what happened to most anti-Zionist Jews (who lived primarily in Poland, Lithuania and the Ukraine).
FYI . . . check out my reply at #46.
I wasn’t aware of that legend. I’ll have to do some reading up on it. Thanks!
Rulings of Rabbis pissing on que in front of Roman swords have no bearing or true religious merit.