           In the traditions of Rabbi Meir Kahane, z"l
                      by Gershon Ben Shabtai
April 1, 1992
                                 I don't like or trust Shamir... But

       I remember, after the Sabra and Shatilla fiasco in Lebanon when Israel was blamed for Christians massacring "Palestinians" in the refugee camps in Lebanon, a commission of inquiry was set up in Israel.  In typical ghetto-style self flagellation the Kahn Commission did as it believed US public opinion wanted it to do.  It condemned the Israeli administration in general, and Defense Minister, Ariel Sharon, in particular.
       Rabbi Meir Kahane, zt'l, H'yd, was given one of his rare opportunities to speak on Israel radio at this time.  Davka in spite of the fact that he had lost confidence in Prime Minister Begin's leadership, he clearly and unequivocally stated that, as a direct response to the current pressure against the government, it is imperative that Menachem Begin be reelected Prime Minister, and that Ariel Sharon retain his post as Defense Minister.
       What brings this incident to mind is the current attempt by the Bush administration to unseat Yitzchak Shamir in favor of a Labor government under Rabin.  Now I am no proponent of either Likud or Shamir, but in view of the current political situation; Shamir's image as a hard liner (even if it may not be an honest one); Bush's overt effort to unseat him; and the lack of a serious challenger from the Kach camp (all of whom are good people, but none of whom has projected the image of a serious vote getter), it is my firm belief that it is in the interest of the Jewish State at this time to consolidate our support behind Shamir.  
       It is not because Shamir is good, or better than anyone else that I take what many might consider to be a traitorous position.  We truly have no one who is a capable Jewish leader, including and maybe even especially Shamir.  The only reason I feel it vital to reelect him at this time is to send a strong message to Bush that he cannot intimidate the Jewish people.  If we all split the right wing camp and vote for various individuals, we will, in effect, help to elect Rabin, the man who tried to murder Menachem Begin on the Altelena, and, more to the point, Bush's favorite choice for Prime Minister.
       There are those who may criticize me for this position.  So be it.  I am not a Likudnik nor will I ever be.  I have always voted for Kach and the Kach philosophy is the only one I subscribe to.  But, as a student of the great Rabbi Kahane, I have learned never to worry about what others think of my behavior, as long as I do what I believe is best for the Jewish people.  
       We are living in the days preceding redemption.  Against the apparent crises which face us and threaten our future, the only real weapon we have is our faith in our G-d.  If we really think that we control destiny we will be sadly disappointed.  But if we recognize that Jewish Destiny is immutable, and prove our faith in G-d's promise to our Father, Abraham, by standing up to impossible challenges without fear of offending the "powers that be", then we will be active participants in the hastening of our redemption.
       Shamir is not my choice of a leader.  But, for whatever reason, he now finds himself with the image of a proud Jewish leader who refuses to bow to American pressure.  It is that image, even if it may be no more than an illusion, which is seen before the world at large.  Should Rabin get elected now it would send a message to the world that we Jews are intimidatable.  Should Shamir get reelected, and by a large majority, that would send a strong message to Bush that he cannot intimidate the Jewish people.  For that reason and that reason alone I urge Israeli voters to vote for Shamir in June.The issue is not politics, rather chilul HaShem.  The nations picture Shamir as the image of Jewish pride and self respect-- regardless as to the accuracy of their perception.  If, after Bush personally intervenes to unseat him for this reason, Shamir loses, that would be a chilul HaShem.
       As to the argument, "Who cares what the world thinks". That is fine if you are talking about throwing out Arabs or taking over Jordan.  The concept of making Jews and therefore G-d appear to be weak before the nations is the definition of chilul HaShem.  It was the argument Moshe Rabenu used to G-d Himself to talk Him out of destroying the Jewish People after the sin of the Golden Calf.  
       "If you destroy them now, WHAT WILL THE EGYPTIANS SAY?  THEY WILL THINK THAT YOU TOOK OUT YOUR PEOPLE ONLY TO SLAY THEM IN THE MOUNTAINS."  
       So we can see clearly that HaShem himself is concerned about what the nations think--- If we are discussing chilul HaShem.
       I realize that there is a secondary issue here.  The issue of electing to office a dangerous man.  But, pray tell me who is not dangerous?  Who is there on the scene to day who is truly capable of leading the nation?  We have no leaders.  Mashiach is almost here and is our only hope.  All we have left is to try and project an image of Jewish pride and self respect.  We cannot do that by puffing ourselves up in a desperate attempt to reincarnate Rabbi Kahane.  In this respect Kach is no different than Kahane Chai.  Let us be a right wing "Peace Now" which calls the truth to the people.  The Knesset is not the path to redemption. 