Hoyer Statement on the 20th Anniversary of the Assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin

Statement

House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) issued the following statement today on the anniversary of the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, who was killed on November 4, 1995:

"Twenty years ago today, the people of Israel lost a leader who was as heroic in his nation's defense at war as he was in promoting a vision for peace. The assassination of Yitzhak Rabin was not only a tragic blow to Israel but to the world.

"The extremist who took Rabin's life sought to extinguish the cause of a peaceful resolution to the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. In remembering Rabin's life and legacy, we must ensure that his murderer's objective is never achieved. A bilateral process leading toward a two-state solution remains the only way to provide for the secure and prosperous future Israel seeks. The United States will continue to support Israel's efforts to achieve such a solution, which must not be imposed by the international community but reached through negotiations by the parties themselves. No violence or terror - including the horrific acts committed recently against innocent Israelis - can ever be justified, nor will it help Palestinians secure the statehood to which they aspire.

"As we mark this somber anniversary, let us recall the lesson Yitzhak Rabin taught us all: that even the most hardened warrior can be a determined champion of peace. May the power of his spirit live on and inspire the fulfillment of his bold and courageous vision for a better and more secure future for Israel. Americans will continue to stand in solidarity with Israel as it seeks the secure peace for which Yitzhak Rabin gave his life."

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