Who Is Reuven Kahane? Man Charged For Hitting Pro-Palestine Protestor With Car

Reuven Kahane, identified as an extremist rabbi, faced assault charges on Thursday for allegedly striking a pro-Palestinian protester with his car in Manhattan's Upper East Side. The incident occurred on May 7, following an altercation between the protesters and Kahane.

According to the accusations, Kahane struck the protestors with his vehicle.

He pleaded not guilty and was released on bail, with his hearing scheduled for June 25.

Reuven Kahane, aged 57, is a real estate developer and Orthodox rabbi located in Manhattan. He initially served as a pulpit rabbi, obtained a law degree, and established a prosperous business, Bonkers Bagels, in Israel. Presently, he holds the position of president at a national real estate company.

Kahane was in his vehicle near the scene when two individuals engaged in an argument with him and allegedly caused damage to his vehicle, the police said. Reportedly, Kahane then "tapped" one of the demonstrators with his vehicle, resulting in minor injuries. The injured individual was subsequently taken to a local hospital for treatment.

“I was driving home from dropping off my daughter at school, and live within seven blocks of the location,” Kahane told Huff Post, but did not comment about the incident any further.

“The facts will show our client is not guilty. Our client is a law-abiding citizen and we look forward to representing him in court,” Kahane’s attorney Sara Shulevitz said.

Kahane is related to Meir Kahane, an extremist rabbi from New York who headed the Jewish Defense League. Meir Kahane faced expulsion from the Israeli Knesset over allegations of racism and was assassinated in New York in 1990.