Today is the Memorial Day for Yitzchak Rabin. Twenty-one years ago, Rabin stood in front of hundreds of Israelis at a peace rally and gave a speech in hope that the recent Oslo Accords would hold water. It was an inspiring event, and many were hopeful. Yet there were many others who didn’t believe the Oslo Accords would work. One extreme man who was strongly against the peace agreements also came to peace rally. His goal was not to address his concerns or to hear the other side. As Yitzchak Rabin was walking down the stairs at the end of the event, this extremist came up behind him and shot Rabin in the back. The shot later killed the Prime Minister. The man’s name is Yigal Amir, and he has been in jail since the assassination.
**Before I say anything else, I must make clear that those who did not agree with the Oslo Accords did not support assassinating Yitzchak Rabin.
Instead of turning to politics, I want to think about how we can remember Yitzchak Rabin.
How can we use Rabin’s legacy to strengthen us and our society today?
One of Yitzchak Rabin’s strengths was to reflect on where he was and check what was working and what wasn’t. He could ask himself: Is this a good idea? What am I doing right? What needs to change? This is how he began his career in the Palmach during the War of Independence to being Israel’s Chief of Staff to the Israeli Prime Minister advocating a huge peace process.
This is an incredible quality. I will remember Yitzchak Rabin by checking in with myself to see if what I am doing is working and good.
Rabin was a hopeful man.
In this world and everything that is going on in, it can be easy to lose hope; to want to give up; to think that good things can’t happen. Rabin, despite all of the difficulties and complexities, had hope that one day there would be peace between Israelis and Palestinians, instead of conflict.
In honor of Rabin, I will be hopeful.
Rabin loved the State of Israel
Yitzcahk Rabin loved the State of Israel. He did what he thought was right to make Israel a better place, a thriving country, the best Israel could be. Not everyone agreed with what he thought we should do. But there is no doubt Rabin loved Israel.
In honor of Rabin, I will always love the State of Israel.
Rabin was dedicated.
Yitzhak Rabin dedicated himself to every job he held- soldier in the Palmach, Chief of Staff, Ambassador of Israel to the United States, Prime Minister. Whatever job he had, Rabin put himself fully into the job. He was a dedicated friend of many, including late President Shimon Peres.
In honor of Rabin, I will dedicate myself to all of my work and activities I take part in.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I hope today on the Memorial Day for Yitzchak Rabin, we can all look back at his life and find the qualities that can inspire us in our daily lives. May we remember to be dedicated, hopeful, reflective, and love the State of Israel. May we use the story of Rabin as a reminder to always chose love, respect, and understanding over hate, violence, and anger.
Most of all, may Yitzchak Rabin’s memory be a blessing to us all.
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