Customer Reviews

Israel: Revolution or Referendum

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Meir Kahane wrote this book about 2 years into the first intifada of 1987. He never lived to see Oslo, any subsequent agreements, or the 2000 Al-Aksa Intifada. But you wouldn't know that just by reading this book; the words he wrote over 10 years ago ring true now more than ever.

The thesis of this book is simple: the Israeli government has become an obtuse, impotent entity that is unwilling to protect its citizens. This situation will not continue because it simply cannot, but will the change come about through revolution or referendum?

The majority of this book is anecdotal; that is, Kahane illustrates his point through voluminous tales of government hpyocracy, cover-ups, and the like. He cites, for example, many incidents where Israelis are jailed for using lethal force against Arabs when the Israelis themselves are in real mortal danger.

As a Zionist and seeker of truth, I say that this is a must-read. Kahane wrote to make people emotional and uncomfortable, and this does just that.

This book is a very quick read. In this book Rabbi Kahane exposes the Israeli government for its totalitarian nature. From the shin bet trying to kidnap and kill him for his views to his political party being banned. If anyone is interested in understanding the laws which the Israeli establishment selectively used to silence the democratic vote of 1/3 of the Israeli populace, read this book. Rabbi Kahane brilliantly lays bare the true reasons why he was and is demonized, because he was a threat to the illegitimate power held by the Israeli elite. This book clearly identifies the enemies of true representative leadership for Israelis. Must read. As always Kahane was right.