Meir Kahane Quotes
- Rabbi and political activist
- USA
- 1932
Meir Kahane was an American-Israeli rabbi, activist, and politician known for his controversial views on Jewish nationalism and militant Zionism. He was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1932 and became a rabbi in 1957. He founded the Jewish Defense League (JDL) in 1968, a militant organization aimed at…Read More
Meir Kahane was an American-Israeli rabbi, activist, and politician known for his controversial views on Jewish nationalism and militant Zionism. He was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1932 and became a rabbi in 1957. He founded the Jewish Defense League (JDL) in 1968, a militant organization aimed at protecting Jews from anti-Semitic attacks. Kahane also founded the political party Kach, which advocated for the forced expulsion of Arabs from Israel. He was elected to the Israeli Knesset in 1984, but his party was later banned for inciting racism. Kahane was assassinated in 1990, but his legacy continues to influence far-right and extremist groups. His notable works include the books “Never Again!” and “They Must Go.”Read Less
Meir Kahane was an American-Israeli rabbi, activist, and politician known for his controversial views on Jewish nationalism and militant Zionism. He was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1932 and became a rabbi in 1957. He founded the Jewish Defense League (JDL) in 1968, a militant organization aimed at protecting Jews from anti-Semitic attacks. Kahane also founded the political party Kach, which advocated for the forced expulsion of Arabs from Israel. He was elected to the Israeli Knesset in 1984, but his party was later banned for inciting racism. Kahane was assassinated in 1990, but his legacy continues to influence far-right and extremist groups. His notable works include the books “Never Again!” and “They Must Go.”
Meir Kahane Career Highlights
- Founded the Jewish Defense League in 1968, a militant organization advocating for the protection of Jews in the United States and Israel
- Elected to the New York State Assembly in 1969, becoming the first Orthodox Jew to hold a seat in the state legislature
- Founded the Kach political party in Israel in 1971, advocating for the expulsion of all Arabs from Israel and the West Bank
- Expelled from the Knesset (Israeli parliament) in 1988 due to his extremist views
- Assassinated in 1990 by an Egyptian-American extremist while giving a speech in New York City
Key Contributions by Meir Kahane
- Meir Kahane was a controversial figure who sparked intense debate and controversy with his extremist views and actions.
- He was a vocal advocate for the protection and preservation of Jewish identity and culture, both in the United States and in Israel.
- Kahane’s formation of the Jewish Defense League and his political activism in Israel brought attention to issues of Jewish identity and security.
- His expulsion from the Knesset and subsequent assassination further solidified his status as a polarizing figure in both Jewish and political circles.
What Sets Meir Kahane Apart
- Meir Kahane’s extreme views and actions set him apart from other Jewish leaders and politicians.
- He was known for his uncompromising stance on issues related to Jewish identity and security, often advocating for controversial and divisive solutions.
- Kahane’s militant approach and confrontational style made him a polarizing figure, with many viewing him as a radical and others seeing him as a hero.
Takeaways
- Meir Kahane’s legacy continues to be a source of debate and controversy, with some viewing him as a martyr and others condemning his extremist views and actions.
- His influence can still be seen in the Jewish Defense League and other organizations that advocate for Jewish rights and security.
- Kahane’s life and death serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggles and complexities surrounding issues of Jewish identity and security.