Meir Kahane was an influential American-Israeli rabbi and political figure known for his controversial views and activism. Born in 1932 in New York, he became prominent in the late 20th century with his fervent stance on Jewish nationalism and advocacy for the rights of Jews worldwide. Kahane founded the Jewish Defense League, which aimed to protect Jews from anti-Semitic attacks, and he later established the political party Kach in Israel, promoting a hardline approach toward Palestinian Arabs and advocating for a greater Israel. Kahane advocated for policies that were often deemed extremist, including the expulsion of Arabs from Israel and a strict interpretation of Jewish law in governance. His ideas generated significant opposition, and Kach was eventually banned in Israel as a racist organization. Despite this, Kahane's rhetoric attracted a dedicated following and influenced certain far-right elements within Israeli politics and the Jewish diaspora. Tragically, in 1990, Kahane was assassinated in New York City, but his legacy continues to provoke debate. His work has inspired various groups that align with his nationalist ideology, and his writings remain part of discussions about Jewish identity and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Kahane's life exemplifies the complexities within Jewish nationalism and highlights the ongoing tensions in the region. Meir Kahane was an influential American-Israeli rabbi and political figure known for his controversial views and activism. Born in 1932 in New York, he became prominent in the late 20th century with his fervent stance on Jewish nationalism and advocacy for the rights of Jews worldwide. Kahane founded the Jewish Defense League, which aimed to protect Jews from anti-Semitic attacks, and he later established the political party Kach in Israel, promoting a hardline approach toward Palestinian Arabs and advocating for a greater Israel. Kahane advocated for policies that were often deemed extremist, including the expulsion of Arabs from Israel and a strict interpretation of Jewish law in governance. His ideas generated significant opposition, and Kach was eventually banned in Israel as a racist organization. Despite this, Kahane's rhetoric attracted a dedicated following and influenced certain far-right elements within Israeli politics and the Jewish diaspora. Tragically, in 1990, Kahane was assassinated in New York City, but his legacy continues to provoke debate. His work has inspired various groups that align with his nationalist ideology, and his writings remain part of discussions about Jewish identity and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Kahane's life exemplifies the complexities within Jewish nationalism and highlights the ongoing tensions in the region.