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Edited by: Fern Sidman
This week marked the 34th yahrzeit of Rabbi Meir Kahane HY”D, a charismatic and energizing figure whose life, work, and tragic assassination continue to evoke deep reflections in Jewish communities worldwide. Rabbi Kahane, zt’l, a genuine Torah scholar and fierce advocate for Jewish rights and survival, left a legacy that remains both impactful and controversial, influencing discussions on Zionism, Jewish defense, and aliyah to Israel.
Rabbi Kahane: Activism and Leadership
Rabbi Kahane, born in Brooklyn, New York in 1932 was a passionate activist who devoted his life to Jewish causes.
From a young age, Rabbi Kahane was deeply influenced by his father’s involvement in the Revisionist Zionist movement and his close association with the founder of the Betar Zionist Youth Movement, Ze’ev Vladimir Jabotinsky. This upbringing instilled in him a fervent passion for Jewish nationalism and self-defense. As a teenager, he became active in Betar, laying the foundation for his future endeavors in Jewish activism
In 1968, he founded the Jewish Defense League (JDL). The JDL’s mission was to protect Jewish communities through direct action, emphasizing the principle of “Never Again” in response to the horrors of the Holocaust. Under his leadership, the JDL organized patrols in Jewish neighborhoods. Rabbi Kahane was a central figure in the movement to free Soviet Jewry, advocating for the rights of Jews trapped behind the Iron Curtain. His relentless activism and steadfast determination earned him both devoted followers and staunch critics, yet his impact on the struggle for Jewish freedom remains undeniable.
The JDL also operated a intensive summer training camp where Jewish youth not only became familiarized with their heritage and culture but learned self-defense in the form of martial arts.
Later, Rabbi Kahane, of blessed memory, made aliyah to Israel, where he established the Kach party, which promoted a Torah true vision of Jewish sovereignty and security. Though his political career included serving in the Knesset, his party was later banned by those anti-Torah forces in the Knesset, Despite this, Rabbi Kahane’s voice resonated with many Jews who felt alienated by mainstream politics and sought a stronger stance against threats to the Jewish people.
Prior to his work in Israel, Rabbi Kahane was a central figure in the movement to free Soviet Jewry, advocating for the rights of Jews trapped behind the Iron Curtain. His relentless activism and steadfast determination earned him both devoted followers and staunch critics, yet his impact on the struggle for Jewish freedom remains undeniable.
Assassination in Manhattan
On the night of November 5, 1990, Rabbi Kahane delivered a stirring lecture at the Marriott East Side Hotel in Midtown Manhattan, emphasizing the importance of aliyah and the urgent need for Jewish unity and survival. As a crowd of supporters gathered around him following his speech, tragedy struck. Rabbi Kahane was shot and killed by El Sayyid Nosair, an Egyptian-born American citizen, in what was later revealed to be an act of terrorism.
Nosair was initially acquitted of the murder in state court but was later retried and convicted in federal court as part of a larger conspiracy that included the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Sentenced to life imprisonment, Nosair eventually confessed to the murder. Rabbi Kahane’s assassination marked a turning point in Jewish security in the United States, underscoring vulnerabilities even in spaces considered safe for Jewish leaders.
The Ideology Lives On
Rabbi Kahane’s death left a leadership vacuum in his movement. While no figure emerged with his level of charisma or influence, his ideology persisted. Two factions, Kach and Kahane Chai (“Kahane Lives On”), carried forward his vision, though both were eventually outlawed in Israel by the same anti-Torah forces that banned Rabbi Kahane from exercising his rights of free speech.
During the Al-Aqsa Intifada in the early 2000s, Kahanist supporters popularized the slogan “Kahane Was Right,” reflecting their belief in his warnings about the dangers facing Israel and the Jewish people. His ideas—though marginalized in mainstream Israeli politics—continue to resonate among some segments of Israeli society, particularly in times of heightened conflict.
The Murder of Rabbi Binyamin Ze’ev Kahane and Talya Kahane
Tragedy struck the Kahane family again on December 31, 2000, when Rabbi Meir Kahane’s son, Rabbi Binyamin Ze’ev Kahane, and his wife Talya were ambushed and killed by Palestinian gunmen. The attack occurred as they traveled with their six children from Jerusalem, where they spent Shabbat with Rabbu Binyamin’s mother, to their home in Samaria, in the settlement of Kfar Tapuach. Despite the gunmen firing over 60 rounds of gunfire into their van, the Kahane children survived.
The attack was attributed to members of Fatah’s Force 17, a paramilitary group linked to the Palestinian Authority. According to a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office in 2001, Mahmoud Damra, also known as Abu Awad, was responsible for arming and training the attackers: Talal Ghassan, Marzouk Abu Naim, and Na’man Nofel. The murders further underscored the fragility of security for Jewish families living in contested areas of Israel and the West Bank.
Reflections on Rabbi Kahane’s Legacy
Rabbi Kahane’s warnings about the resurgence of anti-Semitism were prescient. He cautioned that complacency could lead to a repeat of history’s darkest chapters. His advocacy for Jewish self-defense and vigilance is increasingly relevant as we confront a global rise in anti-Semitic incidents. His teachings encourage Jewish communities to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their rights and security.
Rabbi Kahane’s legacy is multifaceted. He was a prolific writer and speaker, articulating a vision of Jewish pride and resilience. His life’s work serves as a reminder of the importance of standing firm against hatred and ensuring the safety and continuity of the Jewish people. His emphasis on aliyah and the centrality of Israel in Jewish life continues to inspire many to strengthen their connection to the Jewish homeland.
In commemorating Rabbi Meir Kahane’s contributions, we honor a leader who dedicated his life to the defense and empowerment of the Jewish people. His insights into the nature of anti-Semitism and his unwavering commitment to Israel’s security offer valuable lessons as we navigate the challenges of today and work towards a future where the Jewish people can live in peace and security.
