Rare 1964 Book Advocating Ashkenazi Supremacy Sparks Outrage

A 62-year-old book, "The Ashkenazi Revolution" by Kalman Keizelson, is resurfacing and causing a stir due to its virulent racist content against Mizrahi Jews. The book, self-published in 1964, argues that Ashkenazi Jews are a superior, chosen people, while Mizrahi Jews are culturally and racially inferior. Keizelson controversially advocated for Yiddish to become Israel's official language, replacing Hebrew.

The book's publication ignited a national controversy, drawing condemnation from prominent figures and institutions. Then-Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion described the book as "defiling to the touch" and a journalist, Dov Goldstein, interviewed Keizelson about his ideology. The Attorney General considered criminal prosecution but ultimately decided against it, fearing it would further inflame tensions.

Despite widespread rejection, Keizelson continued to publish on the topic. The book is now being resold in second-hand stores for approximately 1000 NIS, highlighting its continued, albeit controversial, presence. The article emphasizes Ben-Gurion's view that there are no separate Ashkenazi or Mizrahi identities, only unified Jewish people.

Keizelson, a veteran journalist with a history of activism against the British Mandate, published "The Ashkenazi Revolution" under his own imprint, "Anach." The book's central thesis posits that the Jewish people are divided into two distinct groups, with Ashkenazim as the true chosen people.

The controversy reached the Knesset, where the Minister of Justice stated that the book was met with "open contempt and complete rejection" by the Israeli public, a sentiment echoed by the Prime Minister, ministers, and Knesset members.