The Zealots were a sect of Jews in the 1st century AD who attempted to overthrow Roman control of Israel. They used violence, which was met with violence from Rome. The term fanatic was originally applied to them, and remnants of their ideas exist today. Their actions were not approved by other sects of Judaism and resulted in anti-Jewish sentiment and tougher laws for all Jews.
Zealot in Hebrew is kanahi, but the word is Greek. The term was originally intended to describe a certain sect of Jews in the 1st century AD who had political power and attempted to overthrow Roman control of their people. This was especially important with regard to control of Israel, as this was considered the Jewish seat of power and their rightful inheritance, as passed down from King David.
Fanatic in the older sense applied to many people, who were considered a sect of Judaism. They were first led in the Common Era by Judas of Galilee, who held the view that Roman rule was incompatible with Jewish freedom and that Jews should be free from Roman control. This finally culminated in a real uprising, the Great Jewish Revolt. The Zealots, especially those from the province of Iudaea, captured Jerusalem and were able to hold it until 70 CE. Rome eventually retook Jerusalem, leading to the destruction of the Second Temple.
It cannot be doubted that the fanatics used violence in an attempt to gain freedom. Violent acts were met with violence from Rome and further oppression of the Jews. However, remnants of these ideas exist, and many see a specific group of fanatics, the sicarii, as the first religious terrorists. The assassins were trained assassins, intended to spread fear and discord among the Romans in the hope that they would gain control of Israel and their freedom.
There are specific indications in the Mishnah that the zealot’s activities were not approved and that the fanatics were probably damned. The Talmud also refers to a fanatic as a “savage” and speaks against their aggressive acts. The Zealots advocated killing Jews who followed Rome’s policies, which earned them great criticism among other sects of Judaism.
Today, the term fanatic is often applied to people so overwhelmed by religious fervor that they act in ways that are harmful to others. Having religious zeal is not a bad thing, but when it is combined with actions that hurt others, it is bigotry at its worst. The zealots of the first century did not think long in their actions and, overwhelmed by their beliefs, acted in ways that did not best serve their Jewish community and resulted in significant anti-Jewish sentiment and tougher laws for all Jews. Their cry for freedom has been muffled by their acts of terrorism.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
