Every Wednesday and Friday in August, we are publishing some of our favourite audio long reads of 2025. This week's selection, originally from April, examines the enduring influence of Meir Kahane, a violent fanatic and pioneer in bigotry who died a political outcast 35 years ago.
Kahane was a rabbi whose extremist views made him a pariah in his lifetime. However, today his ideas have found resonance at the very highest levels of Israeli government, shaping policy and discourse in ways that would have seemed unthinkable decades ago.
The article explores how Kahane's legacy has been rehabilitated, with his once-marginalised ideologies now influencing mainstream politics. It raises questions about the trajectory of Israeli democracy and the normalization of far-right thought.
This piece is part of a series revisiting standout audio long reads from 2025, offering listeners a chance to catch up on compelling journalism they may have missed.
