In Israel, the Kahanists from Kach have
been driven underground because their
opinions have been criminalized. Kach and its
affiliates have been declared ''terrorist
organizations'' and have been banned as
''racist organizations'' under Israel's
arbitrarily applied ''anti-racist'' laws. Arab
political parties and politicians advocating
genocide of Jews have never been similarly
indicted or criminalized.
Kach was banned from running for
election, and the leaders of Kach arrested
repeatedly for expressing unpopular opinions.
These actions were cheered on by American
Jewish leaders, even though they would clearly
violate the First Amendment if carried out in
America, where Kahanist groups operate
openly and legally.
Is it inconceivable that banning the
expression of views by Kach loyalists may
actually have driven some to violence? Does the
political establishment think that Kahanists
will suddenly repent because of the new
suppression of ''incitement,'' convert their
opinions, embrace moderation and the
discredited Oslo peace process? When people
are denied the right to express their opinions,
they sometimes turn to violence as an
alternative.
The murder of Rabin was a terrible
tragedy. Israel must prevent it from becoming
an even worse disaster, one in which the
country?s basic democratic freedoms are
abridged.
Steven Plaut teaches at the Graduate
School of Business of the University of Haifa.
He is the author of The Scout (Gefen), available
through Amazon.com.
