MEDIA RELEASES

Statement on recent controversies in Israel over the Otzma Yehudit party

February 25, 2019 | AIJAC

Screen Shot 2019 01 06 At 1.38.46 PM E1546774864563

Media Release

 

“While AIJAC does not normally seek to influence Israel’s electoral processes, watching from afar, it is deeply regrettable that recent political manoeuvres in Israel appear likely to bolster the credibility and electoral prospects of Otzma Yehudit, a party comprised of followers of the late Rabbi Meir Kahane.

“Kahane was a divisive and racist figure whose original political party was appropriately disqualified by Israel’s Central Elections Committee. That disqualification was subsequently upheld in Israel’s Supreme Court.

“For decades, AIJAC has consistently condemned and opposed Kahane and his followers – as we do the discriminatory and offensive beliefs now espoused by Otzma Yehudit. These are indeed ‘reprehensible’ – as argued by our partner organisation the American Jewish Committee (AJC) – and inconsistent with the Jewish values and democratic ideals integral to Israel’s political and social character.

“AIJAC hopes and expects that both Israel’s voters and political leaders will overwhelmingly reject the prospect of such abhorrent values being represented in their robust democratic institutions.”

RELATED ARTICLES

RECENT POSTS

Screenshot 2025 09 17 At 3.11.54 pm

How human rights are weaponised against Israel

A satellite image made available by Maxar Technologies shows damage at the Isfahan nuclear technology centre after US airstrikes in Isfahan, Iran, 22 June 2025 (Image: AAP)

After the Strikes

Israelis in Haifa with various signs and flags take part in a protest rally calling for end the war, completion of the hostage deal and new elections (Image: Shutterstock)

A September of suspense

Food entering Gaza was actually more than enough most months to meet basic needs, even though levels almost never met the UN’s arbitrary and ahistorical target of 500 trucks a day (Image: Shutterstock/ Anas Mohammed)

Scribblings: The UN’s “500 trucks” – a lie that won’t die

Image: Screenshot/ ABC News

Editorial: The implications of Iranian attacks upon Australia

SORT BY TOPICS