What was the political party known as Kach, and what were its primary characteristics?

Kach was a radical Orthodox Jewish, religious Zionist political party that operated in Israel from 1971 to 1994. It was founded by Rabbi Meir Kahane and was based on his Jewish-Orthodox-nationalist ideology, which later became known as Kahanism.

Who founded the Kach party, and when was it established?

The Kach party was founded by Rabbi Meir Kahane in 1971.

What was the core ideology of the Kach party, and what is it commonly known as?

The party was founded on Rabbi Meir Kahane's Jewish-Orthodox-nationalist ideology, which subsequently became known as Kahanism.

When did Kach first win a seat in the Israeli Knesset, and who represented the party?

Kach won a single seat in the Knesset in the 1984 elections, with Meir Kahane serving as its representative.

Under what circumstances was Kach barred from participating in the 1988 Israeli legislative elections?

Kach was barred from the 1988 elections due to a revised Knesset Elections Law that prohibited parties inciting racism.

What event led to the outright ban of Kach and its splinter group, Kahane Chai, in 1994?

Both Kach and Kahane Chai were banned outright in 1994 by the Israeli cabinet under anti-terrorism laws, following statements supporting Baruch Goldstein's massacre of 29 Palestinians at the Cave of the Patriarchs.

What is the estimated core membership of Kach and its associated groups?

The groups are believed to have an overlapping core membership of fewer than 100 people.

What is the relationship between Kach and the modern political party Otzma Yehudit?

Otzma Yehudit is described as a Kahanist political party that includes many former followers of Kach, such as Itamar Ben-Gvir and Baruch Marzel.

When did Meir Kahane immigrate to Israel, and what was his initial stated intention?

Meir Kahane immigrated to Israel in September 1971, initially stating his intention to focus solely on Jewish education.

What was the name of the party when it first ran in the 1973 Israeli elections, and how did it perform?

The party ran as "The League List" in the 1973 elections, receiving 12,811 votes, which was just short of the 1% electoral threshold at the time.

What was the origin of the name "Kach" for the political party?

The party's name, Kach, was adopted after the 1973 elections and was taken from the Irgun motto "Rak Kach," meaning "Only thus."

What legal issue did Meir Kahane face in 1980?

In 1980, Meir Kahane was sentenced to six months in prison for his involvement in a plan to commit an act of provocation on the Temple Mount.

How did the Israeli Supreme Court rule on Kach's disqualification from the 1984 elections?

The Supreme Court reversed the Central Elections Committee's decision to disqualify Kach, ruling that the Knesset Elections Law at the time did not permit barring a party on grounds of racism, though it suggested the law be amended.

What were some of Meir Kahane's key legislative proposals during his time in the Knesset?

Kahane's legislative proposals included revoking Israeli citizenship for non-Jews and prohibiting marriages and sexual relations between Jews and Gentiles, based on Jewish law.

How did other Knesset members typically react to Meir Kahane's speeches and proposals?

Knesset members often boycotted Kahane's speeches, leaving him to speak to an empty parliament, and his legislative proposals and no-confidence motions were generally ignored or rejected.

What term did Meir Kahane use to pejoratively refer to other Knesset members?

Kahane often pejoratively called other Knesset members "Hellenists," referencing ancient Jews who assimilated into Greek culture.

What amendment to the Knesset Elections Law was passed following Kach's election to the Knesset, and what did it prohibit?

An amendment was passed stating that a list of candidates could not participate in Knesset elections if its objects or actions included negating Israel's existence as the state of the Jewish people, negating its democratic character, or inciting racism.

What was the court's justification for upholding Kach's disqualification from the 1988 elections?

The court stated that the aims and actions of Kach were "manifestly racist," leading to its disqualification from the 1988 elections.

What group was formed by Kach activists in 1989 to protest their electoral ban, and what were their methods?

The Sicarii terrorist group was founded by Kach activists in 1989 to protest the ban, engaging in arson and graffiti attacks against Jewish left-wing political figures.

When was Meir Kahane assassinated, and where did this occur?

Meir Kahane was assassinated on November 5, 1990, after delivering a speech in New York City.

How did the Kach party split after Meir Kahane's death?

The party split due to disputes over tactics and personal conflicts, with Kahane's son, Binyamin Ze'ev Kahane, leading the breakaway faction "Kahane Chai."

What was the justification provided by the Israeli cabinet for banning Kach and Kahane Chai in 1994?

The ban was enacted under anti-terrorism laws following statements in support of Baruch Goldstein's massacre of 29 Palestinians at the Cave of the Patriarchs.

What was the role of Avishai Raviv in relation to Kach and the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin?

Avishai Raviv, a paid government informant, established and headed "EYAL" (the Jewish Fighting Organization), which was portrayed as linked to Kach and Kahane Chai, and Yigal Amir, who assassinated Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, was in contact with EYAL.

What happened to Binyamin Ze'ev Kahane and his wife in December 2000?

Binyamin Ze'ev Kahane and his wife were killed in a Palestinian ambush after he was convicted for sedition for distributing pamphlets advocating violence against Arabs.

What advocacy group did the former Kahane Chai leadership form, and what are its primary activities?

The former Kahane Chai leadership formed "The Kahane Movement," which primarily maintains the kahane.org website.

What specific actions did the U.S. State Department cite for designating Kach as a terrorist organization?

The U.S. State Department cited actions such as using explosives or firearms with intent to endanger safety or cause damage, threatening and conspiring to carry out assassinations, and soliciting funds and members for a terrorist organization.

What was the proposed political platform of the Kach party regarding Arabs within Israel?

Kach proposed offering Arabs inside Israel the right of residence as non-citizens, with total personal rights but no national ones. Those refusing to leave would receive compensation for their property, with a deduction for a fund for Sephardic Jews.

What were Kach's proposals concerning the economy and employment?

Kach advocated for a five-day work week, a free economy with minimal regulations and taxes, encouragement of worker participation, raising minimum wages, and prioritizing Jewish labor and the needs of the Jewish underprivileged.

What were Kach's proposals regarding education?

Kach proposed a complete reorganization of Jewish education, including a basic curriculum in Judaism and Jewish national pride for all schools, with private schools allowed for those who disagreed but without government funding.

What were Kach's proposals concerning foreign affairs?

Kach proposed reorganizing the Aliyah Department, establishing a unit to deal with "Jew-haters" abroad, ending ties with Germany and Austria, and withdrawing from the United Nations.

What were Kach's proposals regarding land and sovereignty?

Kach called for the immediate annexation of all parts of Israel in their hands, unlimited Jewish settlement everywhere, taking sovereignty of the Temple Mount from Muslims and giving it to the Rabbinate, and building a synagogue there.

What were Kach's proposals regarding the military?

Kach proposed giving the army a free hand to shoot attackers, expelling entire villages of terrorists, training soldiers in trades, exempting women from army service but requiring national service, and establishing a separate base for Haredi Jews in the army.

What were Kach's proposals regarding religion and the definition of a Jew?

Kach proposed defining a Jew strictly as one born to a Jewish mother or converted according to authentic halakha. They also proposed restrictions on non-Orthodox temples and rabbis, and that people of other faiths have freedom to worship but not to proselytize.

What was the outcome of the 1988 Israeli legislative election for Kach?

Kach was banned from running in the 1988 elections by the Central Elections Committee due to its racist aims and actions.

What was the electoral performance of Kach in the 1973, 1977, and 1981 elections?

In 1973, as "The League List," it received 12,811 votes (0.8%). In 1977, it received 4,396 votes (0.3%), and in 1981, it received 5,128 votes (0.3%). In all these elections, it failed to win any seats.

What was the electoral performance of Kach in the 1984 Israeli legislative election?

In the 1984 elections, Kach received 25,907 votes, representing 1.2% of the total, which allowed it to pass the electoral threshold and win one seat in the Knesset.

What was the meaning of the Hebrew word "Kach" from which the party derived its name?

The Hebrew word "Kach" translates to "Thus."

What was the significance of the "Rak Kach" motto?

"Rak Kach" means "Only thus," and it was the motto of the Irgun, from which the Kach party derived its name.

What was the proposed policy of Kach regarding intermarriage between Jews and Gentiles?

Kach proposed that intermarriage between Jews and Gentiles be forbidden by law, while demanding respect for Gentiles but not allowing them to share a bed with Jews.

What was the proposed policy of Kach regarding the Temple Mount?

Kach proposed that sovereignty over the Temple Mount be transferred from Muslims to the Rabbinate, granting Jews unlimited access to permitted areas and calling for the immediate construction of a synagogue.

What was the proposed policy of Kach regarding the expulsion of terrorists and their villages?

Kach proposed that the entire village of any terrorist, including stone-throwers, should be expelled from the country, and that the army should have a free hand to shoot attackers.

What was the proposed policy of Kach regarding Jews living in Arab countries?

Kach proposed establishing a special office to coordinate non-stop protests and pressures worldwide to address the suffering of Jews in countries like Syria, Yemen, and Ethiopia.

What was the proposed policy of Kach regarding Germany and Austria?

Kach proposed ending all political, cultural, and social ties with Germany and Austria, stating that while Germany owed reparations, Israel owed them nothing.

What was the proposed policy of Kach regarding the United Nations?

Kach proposed ending Israel's withdrawal from the United Nations to stop the humiliation and degradation of Israel by the organization.

What was the proposed policy of Kach regarding minimum wages and underemployment?

Kach proposed raising minimum wages to high levels and limiting underemployment compensation to those incapable of working or who could prove they could not find work.

What was the proposed policy of Kach regarding the Histadrut?

Kach proposed limiting the Histadrut to being a union only and requiring it to sell off its holdings, believing that free enterprise was necessary for Israel's economic recovery.

What was the proposed policy of Kach regarding the National Insurance Institute and Arab children?

Kach proposed transferring the National Insurance Institute's payments for Arab children to the Jewish Agency and making payments only to Jews.

What was the proposed policy of Kach regarding the automatic death penalty?

Kach proposed an automatic death penalty for every Arab terrorist caught.

What was the proposed policy of Kach regarding the press?

Kach proposed strictly enforcing freedom of the press with obligations, holding correspondents and papers to truthful reporting, and prohibiting boycotts of events.

When did the United States remove Kach from its list of terrorist organizations, and why?

The United States removed Kach from its list of terrorist organizations in May 2022, citing inactivity.

Kach Wiki: Kach: Ideology and Impact

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Introduction

The Kach Movement

Kach, meaning "Thus" in Hebrew, was a radical Orthodox Jewish, religious Zionist political party in Israel. Founded in 1971 by Rabbi Meir Kahane, it was based on his unique ideology, subsequently termed Kahanism. The party advocated for a Halachic state and sought to implement policies rooted in religious law, often with exclusionary and nationalistic undertones.

The official logo of Kach.

Ideology and Governance

Kach's platform was deeply rooted in religious conservatism and ultranationalism, advocating for a state governed by Jewish law (Halakha). Key tenets included the expulsion of most Arabs from Israel and the Palestinian territories, the annexation of all Israeli-held land, and the establishment of Jewish supremacy. The party's ideology was often characterized by anti-Arab sentiment and a strict interpretation of Jewish law regarding non-Jews.

Banned Status

Due to its platform and actions, Kach faced significant opposition and legal challenges. It was banned from participating in elections in 1988 under revised Knesset Elections Law for inciting racism. Subsequently, in 1994, both Kach and its splinter faction, Kahane Chai, were banned outright by the Israeli cabinet under anti-terrorism laws, following their support for the Cave of the Patriarchs massacre. Both groups are designated as terrorist organizations by several countries.

Background and Early Years

Immigration and Foundation

Rabbi Meir Kahane immigrated to Israel from the United States in September 1971. Initially focused on Jewish education, he soon became involved in public activism, advocating for the expulsion of Arabs from Israel and the Palestinian territories. In 1971, he founded the Kach party, initially running as "The League List" in the 1973 elections. Despite early electoral failures and legal troubles, including a prison sentence for involvement in a plan concerning the Temple Mount, the party persisted.

Early Activism

Kahane's activism often involved controversial protests and statements. In 1972, leaflets attributed to the Jewish Defense League (JDL), an organization Kahane also founded, were distributed in Hebron, calling for the mayor to be tried for the 1929 massacre. These early actions set a precedent for the party's confrontational approach and its focus on perceived injustices against Jews.

Entry into the Knesset

Electoral Breakthrough

Following years of electoral setbacks, Kach achieved a significant breakthrough in the 1984 legislative elections, winning 1.2% of the vote and securing one seat in the Knesset. This success was partly attributed to increased public support for nationalist sentiments and Kahane's role as an intermediary during the evacuation of Sinai settlements. The party's participation was initially challenged by the Central Elections Committee but was ultimately upheld by the Supreme Court, which noted the need to amend the Elections Law to prevent parties inciting racism.

Legislative Isolation

Once in the Knesset, Kahane's legislative proposals, which included revoking citizenship for non-Jews and enforcing strict segregationist laws based on Jewish law, were largely ignored by other members. His speeches were often boycotted, delivered to an empty parliament. Kahane frequently referred to his political opponents as "Hellenists," a term from Jewish religious texts denoting assimilationists. In 1987, he established the "HaRaayon HaYehudi" (The Jewish Idea) yeshiva to promote his ideology.

Electoral Disqualification

Legal Amendments

In response to Kach's growing influence and the Supreme Court's recommendation, the Knesset amended the Elections Law. The revised law stipulated that a list of candidates could not participate in elections if its objectives or actions included negating Israel's existence as the state of the Jewish people, negating its democratic character, or inciting racism.

Ban from Participation

As a direct consequence of the amended law, Kach was disqualified by the Central Elections Committee from participating in the 1988 elections. The party's appeal was unsuccessful, with the court ruling that Kach's aims were "manifestly racist." This marked a significant turning point, preventing the party from further electoral engagement.

Legacy and Aftermath

Assassination and Division

On November 5, 1990, Meir Kahane was assassinated in New York City. Following his death, the party fractured due to internal disputes over tactics and leadership. Kahane's son, Binyamin Ze'ev Kahane, led a breakaway faction known as Kahane Chai, while the main Kach faction initially continued under Rabbi Avraham Toledano, later succeeded by Baruch Marzel. Both factions were subsequently banned from the 1992 elections.

Outright Ban and Designations

In 1994, the Israeli cabinet officially banned both Kach and Kahane Chai under anti-terrorism laws. This action was prompted by their public support for Baruch Goldstein's massacre of 29 Palestinians at the Cave of the Patriarchs. Consequently, both groups were designated as terrorist organizations by Israel, Canada, Japan, and the United States. While their core membership was estimated to be small, their influence persisted through associated movements.

Continued Influence

Despite official disbandment, former members and followers of Kach became involved in various right-wing and nationalist movements in Israel. Figures like Baruch Marzel, Michael Ben-Ari, and Itamar Ben-Gvir, who were associated with Kach, later played roles in organizations such as Lehava and Otzma Yehudit. These groups continued to promote Kahanist ideology, focusing on issues of Jewish supremacy and opposition to Arabs in Israel. In May 2022, the United States removed Kach from its list of terrorist organizations, citing inactivity.

Political Platform

Arabs and Citizenship

Kach proposed a system where Arabs in Israel would be offered non-citizen resident status, retaining personal rights but not national ones. Those who chose to leave would receive compensation, with a portion deducted for Sephardic Jews who had lost property in Arab countries. The platform also suggested mandatory labor service for Israeli Arabs and the transfer of welfare benefits exclusively to Jews.

Economy and Labor

The party advocated for a free economy with minimal regulation, reduced taxes, and encouragement of capital investment. It proposed a five-day work week, with Shabbat and Sunday as full rest days. The platform also supported worker participation in factories and limiting the Histadrut's role to that of a union, while encouraging "Jewish labor" and diverting funds from the Arab sector to Jewish underprivileged communities.

Education and National Pride

Kach called for a complete reorganization of Jewish education in Israel, mandating a curriculum in Judaism and Jewish national pride in all schools. Parents who wished for alternative education could establish private schools, but without government funding. The party emphasized instilling a strong sense of Jewish identity and national belonging.

Foreign Affairs and Security

The platform included ending political and cultural ties with Germany and Austria, demanding reparations for atrocities. It proposed establishing a unit to counter "Jew-haters" abroad and actively pressure governments regarding the treatment of Jews in other countries. Kach also advocated for Israel's withdrawal from the United Nations, citing its perceived defamation of Israel.

Land and Sovereignty

Kach strongly supported the immediate annexation of all Israeli-held territories and unrestricted Jewish settlement. It demanded sovereignty over the Temple Mount be transferred from Muslims to the Rabbinate, allowing for the construction of a synagogue. The party also proposed providing young couples with free land to encourage settlement and a return to rural living.

Military and Service

The party's military platform included giving soldiers a free hand to use force against attackers, including stone-throwers, and expelling the entire village of any terrorist. It also proposed vocational training for soldiers during their service and exempting women from army service while requiring national service. A separate army base was suggested for Haredi Jews, with exemptions for full-time yeshiva students.

Press and Religion

Kach advocated for strict enforcement of freedom of the press, holding correspondents accountable for truthful reporting and prohibiting boycotts. Religiously, it defined a Jew strictly by matrilineal descent or authentic conversion, proposed restrictions on non-Orthodox rabbis and temples, and called for streamlined religious court procedures. It also demanded that people of other faiths be free to worship but forbidden from proselytizing, and that intermarriage between Jews and Gentiles be outlawed.

Electoral History

Performance Overview

Kach's electoral journey was marked by initial failures, a significant breakthrough in 1984, and subsequent disqualification. The table below summarizes the party's performance in Israeli legislative elections.

Election	Leader	Votes	%	Seats	+/-
1973 (as 'The League List')	Meir Kahane	12,811	0.8	0 / 120	New
1977	Meir Kahane	4,396	0.3	0 / 120
1981	Meir Kahane	5,128	0.3	0 / 120
1984	Meir Kahane	25,907	1.2	1 / 120	1
1988	Meir Kahane	Party banned			1

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Kach: Ideology and Impact

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Introduction ℹ️

✡️ The Kach Movement

⚖️ Ideology and Governance

🚫 Banned Status

Background and Early Years ⏳

immigrate Immigration and Foundation

🗣️ Early Activism

Entry into the Knesset 🏛️

🗳️ Electoral Breakthrough

isolation Legislative Isolation

Electoral Disqualification 🚫

📜 Legal Amendments

⚖️ Ban from Participation

Legacy and Aftermath 🔗

💥 Assassination and Division

🔥 Outright Ban and Designations

🏛️ Continued Influence

Political Platform ⚖️

👥 Arabs and Citizenship

💰 Economy and Labor

🏫 Education and National Pride

🌍 Foreign Affairs and Security

🏞️ Land and Sovereignty

🛡️ Military and Service

📰 Press and Religion

Electoral History 📊

📈 Performance Overview

Study Aids 📚

💡 Flashcards

Test Your Knowledge ❓

🧠 Interactive Quiz

References 🔗

📜 Source Citations

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Introduction

The Kach Movement

Ideology and Governance

Banned Status

Background and Early Years

Immigration and Foundation

Early Activism

Entry into the Knesset

Electoral Breakthrough

Legislative Isolation

Electoral Disqualification

Legal Amendments

Ban from Participation

Legacy and Aftermath

Assassination and Division

Outright Ban and Designations

Continued Influence

Political Platform

Arabs and Citizenship

Economy and Labor

Education and National Pride

Foreign Affairs and Security

Land and Sovereignty

Military and Service

Press and Religion

Electoral History

Performance Overview

Study Aids

Flashcards

Test Your Knowledge

Interactive Quiz

References

Source Citations

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice