Thanks for the welcomes. After speaking with Meir Weinstein about the various fractions of the JDL it is a very difficult argument where validity, or areas of validity, are held with different players. I know Meir, who knows and worked with Chaim, says he supports any organization that helps Jews and Israel. Meir was asked by Rabbi Kahane to re-locate from Toronto to New York to head the JDL in attempt to stop its collapse. Something like this. I do know, after speaking directly with Meir and Shelley that there are a lot of misunderstandings, propaganda and acknowledged mistakes/failings but all are open to working together and moving forward.
I do not agree with Meir 100% of the time, same with Shelley and Chaim but I do give these individuals immense credit for what they are doing and deserve support. Here in Canada, the JDL, which is separate from the JDL in the US, is the only Jewish group that actually does via deed while the rest are toothless tigers that fail on nearly every step of the way.
Perhaps Chaim will contact Meir, mend any past conflicts and work together towards common goals. That's what I'm hoping and have hoped for a long time. I have spoken to a number of friends, who are a few years older than I, who were very active and close friends with Rabbi Kahane and his family who hold that the Rubin's did make mistakes but are essentially stand up Jews. My friend Larry, from Brooklyn, was close friends with Rabbi Kahane where the Kahane's would come to his family home for Shabbat and vice-versa.
Like I told Yakov a long time ago, I feel it is not productive for all these groups to work against each other but find common ground and achieve goals. Worry about the differences after the goals are achieved and not before.
I know that I'll be doing my best to attend this Washington rally with the JDL along with a number of others. I hope to see you all there. I would be a good opportunity to meet and have a L'chaim
Shavouah tov,
MZ