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Kahane Calls for Creation of World-wide Jewish Terrorist Group to Counter Arab Terrorist Groups

April 23, 1974
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Rabbi Meir Kahane, founder of the Jewish Defense League, called today for the creation of a world-wide Jewish terrorist organization with the clandestine backing of the Israeli government, to counter Arab terrorist groups and exact vengeance for their acts. Kahane, who announced last week that he was resigning as chairman of the JDL, made his proposals on the site of the former Arab village of Deir Yassin which was destroyed along with its inhabitants by the Irgun shortly before Israel’s independence. The Deir Yassin massacre was condemned by the Jewish authorities in Palestine at the time.

Kahane’s “solution” to the problem of Arab terrorism was, he stated, to imitate the Arab terrorists act-for-act, shooting hostages and bringing counter-terror to Arab civilians in their own countries. In addition. “In each case of Arab terror against Jews. 1000 Arab families in the occupied territories shall be expelled.” Kahane said. He also reiterated his plan to encourage the emigration of Israeli Arabs by offering them cash and jobs in other countries.

According to Kahane. the Israeli government should aid the Jewish terrorist movement while denying any connection with it. “Just as Arab governments do.” Kahane said he didn’t know if any such Jewish terror organization was in the making but offered his assistance if it was. He said he would not head such an organization because “I have enough trouble as it is.” Kahane is facing trial on criminal charges in Israel.

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