Reflecting on the Life and Contributions of Former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin
REFLECTING ON THE LIFE AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF FORMER ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER YITZHAK RABIN -- (Extensions of Remarks - November 07, 2005)
* Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to reflect on the life and contributions of former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, who was tragically assassinated 10 years ago. Yitzhak Rabin dedicated his entire life to the cause of peace and security for Israel. He fought tirelessly for the right of all Israelis to live normal lives without fear of attack, to dine with friends, to shop, and to send their children to school on buses. Yitzhak Rabin was many things, a soldier, an Ambassador, a Knesset Member, a Prime Minsiter, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. He is remembered best as a peacemaker who changed the course of history.
* I In addition to valiantly serving Israel's armed forces for 27 years, including during the War of Independence, the Suez War, and the Six-Day War as Chief of Staff, Yitzhak Rabin is responsible for leading Israel through many historic times. In 1975 he signed the interim agreement with Egypt which laid the groundwork for peace between Israel and Egypt. In 1976, Yitzhak Rabin ordered the successful liberation of the hijacked Air France flight, known as Operation Entebbe. And in 1994 Yitzhak Rabin and King Hussein of Jordan signed a peace treaty between Israel and Jordan. Most notably, Yitzhak Rabin's legacy includes the signing of the Declaration of Principles framework agreement between Israel and the Palestinians, and the famous handshake with the late PLO Chairman Yassir Arafat on the White House lawn.
* Upon the signing of the Declaration of Principles on September 13, 1993, Yitzhak Rabin said to the Palestinians, ``We say to you today in a loud and clear voice: Enough of blood and tears. Enough. We harbor no hatred toward you. We have no desire for revenge. We, like you, are people who want to build a home, plant a tree, love, live side by side with you--in dignity, empathy, as human beings, as free men .....''
* Clearly, this was a man who envisioned a free, secure, and democratic Jewish state at peace with all its neighbors. Yitzhak Rabin's message resounded across Israel, and it is no wonder that on November 4, 1995, he attended and spoke at a peace rally in Tel Aviv amidst tens of thousands of enthusiastic supporters with banners proclaiming ``Yes to peace--no to violence.'' In his final address at the peace rally Yitzhak Rabin stated, ``I have always believed that the majority of the people want peace, are prepared to take risks for peace,'' and ``Peace is what the Jewish People aspire to, a true aspiration.'' Yitzhak Rabin was fatally shot by a Jewish student as he left the rally.
* On the 10th anniversary of Yitzhak Rabin's death, I wish to express the deepest condolences of the American people to the family of Yitzhak Rabin and to all the people of Israel for the loss of this great leader. Additionally, we must honor his life and his work by continuing the pursuit of peace in the Middle East.
* The United States and Israel share a special bond, one that Yitzhak Rabin helped to establish during his time as Ambassador to the U.S. This bond is steadfast and represents the abundance of shared values and common goals of our two societies. I am proud to be part of the U.S. Congress, a body which stands by Israel when Israel needs us. Just last week, the House of Representatives voted to pass the Conference Report of the Fiscal Year 2006 Foreign Operations Appropriations Act which includes $2.3 billion in military assistance and $240 million in economic assistance to Israel. Without a doubt, Yitzhak Rabin's legacy of bringing the U.S. and Israel closer together lives on.
* Ten years after Yitzhak Rabin's tragic death, let us renew our commitment to fostering peace in the Middle East. We must encourage efforts that support the peacemakers of this world and penalize those who would murder innocents. Yitzhak Rabin has left a wonderful legacy over his long and distinguished career of service, and it is with the utmost respect and admiration that I support the people of Israel in their quest for peace.
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