At least two answers to that. First, it’s the Aramaic for “Guardians of the City.”

“What city?” you might ask.

And I would answer “Jerusalem.”

Second, Neturei Karta is a modern but not modernized group of Orthodox Jews living in Jerusalem, London, and New York. They consider themselves to be the true guardians of the city of God. Their claim is built loosely on Psalm 127:1, where it says that the Lord must be the true watchman. As scribes and scholars, they believe their guard is more important than that of the military might surrounding Israel in these days.

They go even farther. They claim that that military might is an affront to God! That when Messiah comes, He will establish His people in their land. Without help from any man.

They say it is simply not acceptable for Jews to come back to their land by killing and overpowering it. They are to return, says Neturei Karta, when Messiah comes.

Can you forgive me if I totally agree with these folks? With the change of one word of course. Where they say Messiah “comes”, I say Messiah “returns.”

But the message is Biblical. When the Jews truly return to their land, say all the prophets, it will be with great joy. Then they will be the redeemed of the Lord who know their Messiah, having just gone through a series of events that will single them out before the world as the chosen of God. Yes, it will also be the time of Jacob’s trouble. Jacob’s final wandering and scattering, the tribulation unparalleled in human history.

But the return will be glorious and decisive and accompanied by the Lord Messiah Himself, Jesus Christ.

It is thrilling to watch the State of Israel be formed and prosper. Some of it reminds us of Biblical days. But my understanding of Israel’s future is ultimately in harmony with the Biblical description of that period, a glimpse of which these ultra-orthodox guardians of Jerusalem have discovered.

And by the way, we must add that it is not scholars, scribes, or soldiers who shall ultimately protect Israel. Jewish destiny is sure, and our job is to pray, and to continue to ask God to call out from Judaism a people for his name, that those wearing the ancient name will be able to participate in the ancient promises.