The Knesset House Committee voted unanimously Tuesday to revoke the franking privileges of Rabbi Meir Kahane, leader of the extremist Kach Party and its sole Knesset member.
The Committee acted on the request of Communications Minister Amnon Rubinstein who cited many complaints that Kahane was using his free mailing privilege to disseminate racist propaganda and intimidate Israeli Arabs.
The decision has to be confirmed by the Knesset plenum. It is expected to be endorsed by an overwhelming majority. But Kahane told the Committee Monday that he would continue his mailings at Kach Party expense if his franking privilege was withdrawn.
A sample of Kahane’s mail shown to the Committee was a warning to Arabs that “If you wish to remain in this country you must give up your Israeli citizenship and any hope of equality with Jews.”
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
