Akko: 'Kahane was right' on Rabin monument

Police estimate graffiti wasn't sprayed by residents of northern city; mayor denounces 'this cowardly act'

Ahiya Raved |Published: 10.20.10 , 14:45

Graffiti reading "Kahane was right" was sprayed Tuesday night on a monument in memory of Yitzhak Rabin near the Old City of Akko in northern Israel, exactly 15 years after the former prime minister's murder.

Rabbi Meir Kahane was the leader of Kach, a right-wing party banned by Israel for inciting racism against Arabs. He was assassinated in New York in November 1990.

Police launched an investigation into the incident, and the writing was removed by municipality workers.

Residents who passed by the monument, located between Akko's old and new cities, saw the writing and informed the municipality.

"We condemn this cowardly act," said Mayor Shimon Lankry. "We won't let anyone harm the fabric of relations between the city's residents."

Chief Superintendent Avi Edri said the police suspect the graffiti was not sprayed by residents of the city and that this phenomenon is taking place across the country.

"We have no intention of giving the provocateurs an opportunity to enjoy the fruits of their actions," said an Akko Municipality official.

Similar graffiti were sprayed in additional areas in northern Israel, including the cities of Yokneam and Nahariya. Police have launched an investigation.