Controversy Over Israeli Minister's Visit to Holy Site Sparks International Outrage

**Otzma Yehudit** is a far-right Israeli political party rooted in the extremist ideology of Rabbi Meir Kahane’s Kach movement, founded on November 13, 2012, by former National Union members Aryeh Eldad and Michael Ben-Ari. It promotes ultra-nationalist, Religious Zionist principles, advocating for full Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank and opposing any Palestinian statehood or negotiations with the Palestinian Authority. The party calls for the annexation of territories between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea, the cancellation of the Oslo accords, and increased Jewish identity education in schools. It also supports deporting Arab extremists and expanding Jewish settlements[3][4]. Despite early electoral failures in 2013 and 2015, Otzma Yehudit gained significant political influence by the 37th government formed at the end of 2022, with three ministers from the party appointed: Itamar Ben-Gvir (Minister of National Security), Yitzhak Wasserlauf (Minister of the Negev and the Galilee), and Amichai Eliyahu (Minister of Heritage). The party briefly left the coalition in January 2025 over objections to a Hamas hostage deal but rejoined two months later[1]. Otzma Yehudit’s ideology has evolved from its original radical Kahanist platform. While it once openly advocated for a Halachic state and the expulsion of those opposing Israel, recent shifts emphasize a pan-Israeli Jewish identity and a more moderated public image, though critics view this as a strategic rebranding rather than true moderation. The party maintains a strong right-wing religious-nationalist stance, often described as Jewish supremacist, and remains controversial both in Israel and internationally[2][4]. Its leader, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has a history of convictions related to incitement and support for extremist groups but has moderated his rhetoric somewhat in recent years. Otzma Yehudit remains a polarizing entit

The Jewish Defense League (JDL) is a far-right, ultra-nationalist organization founded in 1968 by Rabbi Meir Kahane and other young Jewish activists. Initially, the JDL aimed to combat what they perceived as rising anti-Semitism in New York City, particularly in the Jewish community. The group's early activities included patrolling neighborhoods and advocating for Jewish rights, often using militant tactics[1][2][3]. **History and Achievements:** - The JDL gained prominence in the late 1960s and early 1970s for its activism on behalf of Soviet Jewry, advocating for Jewish emigration from the Soviet Union[1][2]. - They were also involved in protests against the Soviet government's treatment of Jews, including vandalizing stores selling Soviet products[4]. - The organization's activities expanded to promoting Jewish emigration to Israel and supporting Zionist causes, with a controversial stance on expelling Arab residents from Israel[1][2]. **Notable Aspects and Criticism:** - The JDL's radical ideology and involvement in violent activities led to condemnation from mainstream Jewish organizations and eventually from the broader community[4][5]. - By the 1990s, following Rabbi Meir Kahane's assassination, the JDL's influence began to wane, and it was classified as a terrorist group by the FBI[2][5]. **Current Status:** Today, the JDL is no longer active in the United States, with no reported chapters as of recent years[2]. Despite its decline, the JDL remains a significant example of the complexities in Jewish activism and identity politics. While the JDL's activities are far removed from business and technology news, its historical impact on Jewish-American relations and its controversial stance on political issues make it a fascinating case study for understanding the intersection of politics and community activism.

Human rights organizations are primarily non-governmental organizations (NGOs) dedicated to the promotion, protection, and advocacy of human rights globally. These organizations work to defend civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights as enshrined in international documents such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Their core functions include monitoring government and non-state actor abuses, conducting research and fact-based investigations, lobbying policymakers, raising public awareness, and supporting local human rights defenders[1][3][4]. A notable example is the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), an international NGO that supports national human rights organizations to strengthen their capacity and influence. FIDH operates at national, regional, and international levels, targeting states, armed groups, and multinational corporations to hold perpetrators accountable and promote democratic processes. Its work is grounded on three pillars: securing freedoms for human rights defenders, promoting universality of rights, and ensuring rights’ effectiveness[1]. Other prominent groups include Amnesty International, which mobilizes millions worldwide for campaigns and advocacy, and Human Rights Watch, which hires experts to investigate abuses and push for reforms[3][4]. Historically, human rights organizations emerged post-World War II with the rise of the United Nations and the establishment of international human rights treaties. NGOs have since become vital watchdogs and advocates independent of governments, often driving global human rights agendas and influencing policy changes. They leverage technology and innovative strategies to document abuses and rally public support, making them key actors in the modern human rights ecosystem[2][4]. Currently, these organizations face complex challenges such as addressing violations by both state and non-state actors, including multinational corporations, amidst geopolitical tensions. They increasingly employ legal mechanisms like international criminal justice to hold violators accountable. Their ongoing relevance is sustained by global public advocacy and cooperation with local partners, ensuring both grassroots impact and international pressure for human rights compliance[1][3][5]. In essence, human rights organizations bridge local realities and international frameworks, using research, advocacy