Israeli Religious, Labor Left-wing Press Condemn Jdl Tactics; Kahane to Emigrate to Israel

The tactics of the Jewish Defense League were roundly condemned by leading Israeli newspapers today. The Histadrut daily. Davar, endorsed President Nixon’s statement to American Jewish leaders that his administration will do all it can to prevent violence against Soviet institutions in the United States. Davar said that “The Jewish Defense League or any other group using violence is at fault. They do not help but harm a just cause which they want to serve by the wrong means. They interfere with the united effort that is being carried on with zeal and devotion by legitimate means and is showing signs of success. ” The Socialist newspaper. Lamerhav, observed that “even immigrants from the Soviet Union believe that the JDL clashes can only sabotage the just struggle for Soviet Jewry.” Al Hamishmar, organ of Mapam said that “While the League sets itself up as a defender of the Jews, it sticks a knife in the back of the campaign being waged on behalf of Soviet Jewry.” Two Orthodox newspapers also assailed the JDL which has been strongly supported by certain Orthodox elements in the United States.

Hamodia, organ of the Agudat Israel, said “The President of the United States cannot stand calmly by while an extremist group sabotages relations between his country and the Soviet Union.” Shearim, organ of the Poalei Agudat Israel, observed that “decades of struggle notwithstanding, Jews in Israel have never once been tempted to emulate their enemies’ methods. This is not the way Jews fight and therein lies their strength.” Omer, a Histadrut newspaper published for immigrants learning Hebrew, reminded the JDL that “the road to hell is paved with good intentions.” (Moscow’s Chief Rabbi, Yehuda Leib Levin, signed a petition yesterday accusing militant Jewish groups in the U.S. of “emulating Fascists” in their tactics. The petition, which also carried the signatures of three lay leaders of Moscow’s Jewish community, said Soviet Jews did not want such “unsolicited protectors.” The petition was delivered to the U.S. Embassy). (Rabbi Meir Kahane, chairman of the JDL, plans to emigrate to Israel next August because he “is very pessimistic about the destiny of Jews in America,” his father, Rabbi Charles Kahane, told New York newsmen yesterday. Kahane must appear in court on Jan. 19 for arraignment on charges of disorderly conduct and incitement to riot. He was in Israel a week ago on what was described as a private visit. Some sources said he was dickering for a post with the right-wing Herut faction. Kahane has an apartment in Jerusalem. A brother Nahman is employed by the Religious Affairs Ministry.)