The Jewish Defense League (JDL) and Meir Kahane in 10 Minutes

Everything Jewish - 10 Minutes at a Time · Aug 21, 2026 · 10m

Who was Meir Kahane, and how did one rabbi's radical vision spark a movement that still provokes intense debate today? In this episode, we dive into the story of the Jewish Defense League—its rise in the late 1960s, its confrontational tactics, and its mission to defend Jewish communities at any cost. We'll explore Kahane's ideology, why some saw him as a protector while others viewed him as dangerous, and how his ideas continue to echo in modern discussions about security, identity, and extremism. Because this isn't just history—it's a complex and controversial chapter that forces us to ask…