This thread can't go without mentioning the awesome (in both senses of the word) super-Orthodox Jewish enclaves in New York state. They're so damn sectarian they'll swing from 99% Republican to 90% Democratic for different races on the same ballot, almost solely based on "good for Israel."
No. Many (most?) Hasidic Jews are actually opposed to the existence of Israel, believing that the Jews must not return to Israel until the Messiah has come. They picket against things like the Israel Day Parade in NYC on a regular basis.
This is true of the Satmars, anyway (the dominant group in Williamsburg and Kiryas Joel and a large portion of the Hasidim in Borough Park). Some of the Hasidim enclaves may not think the same way, however, and would presumably be ultra-supportive of Israel.
They vote as a bloc for their own local interests (e.g., the Kiryas Joel sect will support any politician who will support their annexation of surrounding towns), and the interests of their rabbis.
Wow, you're right, and I had been told this before. Hard fail on my part; sorry.
Not all of them are like that. Its just a fringe group called Neturei Karta.
