Rabin Family,
Distinguished Guests,

Yitzhak Rabin is not only the man and the leader who was assassinated;  Yitzhak Rabin is the generation which, in the spring of its youth, shouldered the weight of revival,  with sacrifice, blood and arduous strain.  It is the fighting generation that suffered so many casualties, and of which the poet Alterman wrote: “To you the nation, on the sword of liberty, bows down and cries, understand it.”   That courageous and upright generation, whose back has become hunched, whose hair has turned gray with years, and in whose heart the assassination of Rabin left a mortal wound of indignation which cannot be atoned for and pain which cannot be healed.

Yitzhak Rabin was one of the outstanding members of the revival generation.  His part will never be missing from the pages of the State of Israel’s history – as commander of the Harel Brigade which rescued Jerusalem in the War of Independence, for his role in building the IDF and in its glowing victory in the Six Day War, for his contribution to the special ties between Israel and the United States and for his achievements as Prime Minister and Minister of Defense.

I loved Yitzhak, even in times of discord.  We went a long way together, in the IDF, in the struggle for revival and defense of the State, and as its delegates. Our friendship and mutual respect was maintained even when we turned to different and opposing political paths.  When I felt he was wrong, I did not spare him my criticism, and visa versa.  However, I never doubted Yitzhak’s integrity, honesty and his genuine intentions to faithfully serve the People of Israel according to his own beliefs, and bravely strive for security and peace.

Jewish history placed on the shoulders of our generation the heavy responsibility of ensuring the future of the State of Israel.  The citizens of Israel assigned us – Yitzhak Rabin then and me today, the scepter of fateful responsibility, not in order to remain stagnant.  On the contrary, this deposit is an asset of faith and credit from the people, to act, navigate, lead and show initiative in order to realize the Zionist vision; in order to make every possible effort to end the bloody conflict between our neighbors and ourselves; in order to sustain a Jewish and democratic State of Israel within secure borders and a united Jerusalem as its eternal capital; in order to nurture the State of Israel, founded on the values of a developed Hebrew heritage and culture, on social justice, economic prosperity, Aliyah, security and peace.  Yitzhak Rabin strove for the achievement of these goals, and for these goals I too strive, in a slightly different manner, of course.

The apalling murder of Yitzhak Rabin obligates us to do our utmost to ensure that the State of Israel will never stray from the Jewish-democratic path; its decisions will be taken, without fear, by its authorized institutions and no vile murderer, inciter or instigator will prevent it from tirelessly striving towards security and peace.  We will conduct the debate, as penetrating and deep as it may be, over the path which will take us to the longed for goal, as free men in a democratic State, with respect, tolerance and a common destiny.

Today, under the autumn Jerusalem sky, I bow my head to the unforgettable image of a friend, commander and immaculate leader, who was eternally devoted to the People of Israel, and also to the memory of his dedicated wife, Leah, in respect, honor, love and gratitude.