kahane

Kahane is a Jewish surname of Hebrew origin, derived from the word Kahana (כהנא), meaning “priest.” It is typically associated with the Kohanim, the priestly lineage, and has multiple transliterations in English, including Kahan, Kahana, and Kahane.

The most prominent figure bearing the name is Meir Kahane (1932–1990), an American-Israeli rabbi, writer, and political activist. Kahane founded the Jewish Defense League in the United States and later established a political movement in Israel, advocating a form of ethno-nationalism and a hardline approach to Arab–Israeli relations. His rhetoric and proposals were highly controversial and led to widespread condemnation. Kahane was assassinated in New York City in 1990.

Following his death, supporters formed breakaway factions, including a political movement known as Kach and a more radical group often referred to as Kahane Chai. These groups promoted similar principles and, in the late 1990s, were designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations by the United States. Their activities and ideology have been the subject of intense debate and legal action, and they remain a controversial chapter in the broader history of Jewish political movements.

Beyond these activities, Kahane continues to be encountered as a surname among Jewish communities in Israel and the diaspora. Variants of the name appear in different languages and transliterations, reflecting its Hebrew roots and the dispersion of families bearing the name.