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Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Rabbi Meir Kahane cousin arrested
2. NYC pro-Palestinian protester ramming incident
A man identified as the cousin of Rabbi Meir Kahane, founder of the Jewish Defense League, was arrested for ramming his car into a pro-Palestinian protester in New York. Reuven Kahane, a real estate developer, was taken into custody following the clash with demonstrators picketing the home of a Barnard College trustee. Protesters recognized Kahane as a relative of Meir Kahane, known for his anti-Arab views. Reuven Kahane, wearing a hoodie that read “In Jah we trust and find peace,” was charged with felony assault but released without bail. The incident sparked controversy, with claims of intentional harm and connections to past violent attacks.
1. Rabbi Meir Kahane cousin arrested
2. NYC pro-Palestinian protester ramming incident
Man Arrested for Ramming Car into Pro-Palestinian Protester in Manhattan
In a shocking incident in New York City, a man identified as Reuven Kahane, a cousin of the controversial Rabbi Meir Kahane, was arrested for ramming his car into a pro-Palestinian protester on the Upper East Side. The clash took place at Park Ave. and E. 72nd St., where protesters were picketing the home of a Barnard College trustee.
Protest and Arrest Details
Approximately 25 pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered at Park Ave. and E. 72nd St. around 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday morning. Reuven Kahane, a 57-year-old real estate developer, was arrested by police following the altercation with the protesters. The victim, identified as Mary Ellen Novak, 55, suffered back pain, leg pain, and other injuries after Kahane allegedly drove into her while she signaled him to stop.
Legal Proceedings and Statements
During his arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court, Reuven Kahane was charged with felony assault but was released without bail. His lawyer declined to comment on the case or his relationship with Rabbi Meir Kahane. Prosecutors requested supervised release for Kahane, citing the seriousness of the charge.
The victim, Mary Ellen Novak, was initially charged with criminal mischief for banging on the hood of Kahane’s car but was ultimately not prosecuted. Protest organizers from CU Apartheid Divest described Novak as a “deescalator” trying to prevent confrontations and accused Kahane of purposefully driving into her.
Background and Family Connection
Meir Kahane, the controversial founder of the Jewish Defense League, was assassinated in a Manhattan hotel in 1990. His cousin, Reuven Kahane, has been previously identified in media reports as a relative of the firebrand rabbi. Reuven Kahane, a real estate developer based in New York and Oakland, holds a J.D. and rabbinical degree from Yeshiva University.
Kahane’s wife, Julie Friedkin, expressed shock at the incident and believed it was an accident. The pro-Palestinian protesters targeted the home of Barnard trustee Francine Lefrak, a member of the LeFrak real estate family.
Conclusion
The incident involving Reuven Kahane and the pro-Palestinian protester has raised concerns about escalating tensions in the region. The legal proceedings and statements from both parties shed light on the complexities of the situation. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
(New York Daily News journalist Roni Jacobson contributed to this report.)
