Jewish Terrorism

JDL The threats that derive from terrorism may come from any group or organization that feels that they are being slighted. One such group that does not receive much mainstream attention for its terrorist activities is the Jewish Defense League (JDL). The purpose of this essay is to describe this terrorist outfit and explain its evolution and its permeation into American society.

To help understand this organization, this essay will also address some of the unique factors dealing with the Jewish race that makes the JDL that much more dangerous than the average terrorist group. Genesis of The Jewish Defense League According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, the Jewish Defense League is "a radical organization that preaches a violent form of anti-Arab, Jewish nationalism.

Its late founder, Rabbi Meir Kahane, claimed that Jews face fierce anti-Semitism domestically and abroad and must protect themselves by any means necessary." The JDL's ideology is firmly aligned with the Zionist philosophy of the state of Israel where any Palestinian claims to land are dismissed and treated with violent aggression. To understand the JDL it is important to understand the background of its founder Rabbi Kahane. This man is self-proclaimed Israeli nationalist who is dead set against the American principles of freedom and democracy.

According to the Jewish Virtual Library, Rabbi Kahane "saw many of the poor and elderly Jews living in the inner-city being targeted by criminals; as a result, he set out to change the image of the Jew from "weak and vulnerable" to one of a "mighty fighter, who strikes back fiercely against tyrants." The JDL's controversial methods, which frequently included the threat of, or actual violence, greatly exacerbated the Black-Jewish tension already present in New York City.

The JDL also focused on the plight of Soviet Jewry, and coined the phrases "Never again," and "every Jew a '.22'" Like many terrorist groups there at the core of their argument lies some truth and reveals an injustice. But the JDL adopted violence, coercion and fear as tactics in their mission to alleviate their problems. In 1990, Kahane was assassinated in New York by an Arab seeking revenge.

The last few decades has seen the strength in the JDL grow and its involvement in American politics is becoming more normalized every day.

Today's JDL According to the JDL's website "It realizes that in the end, with few exceptions, that the Jew can look to no one but another Jew for help and that the true solution to the Jewish problem is the peaceful liquidation of the Exile (may it come speedily, and in our days, as prophesied) and the return of all Jews to Eretz Yisrael, the land of Israel.

It sees an immediate need to place Judaism over any other "ism" and ideology and calls for the use of the yardstick: "Is it good for Jews?" It is clear that the JDL is a self-interested group that seeks no real means of cooperation and peaceful cohabitation with others. The JDL does not tolerate those who disagree with them and are not afraid to use violence.

The Jewish tradition, which essentially states that this ethnic group's interests are superior to all others, is violent at its core and preaches an indignant attitude towards peace and stability. The ability to fuse this dogmatic belief with political activism makes the JDL a very anti-American force that needs to be reckoned with and treated with the proper response. Recruiting members for the JDL relies on their ability to tap into both religious and nationalistic attitudes of the Jewish race.

Since Israel identifies Jews as an ethnic race and not a religion, the racist overtones of the JDL are incredibly forthright and blatant. Jewish supremacy is not usually scorned as white supremacy, black supremacy or any other type of similar philosophy. This makes it very easy for unsuspecting Jews to align themselves with such a cause. The infiltration of the Israeli lobby within the United States Government also allows this group to flourish in many ways that other terrorist groups cannot. Neff (1999) best explained this group.