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This afternoon, at the memorial service, I spoke of our generation, the generation of which Yitzhak Rabin is a prominent symbol, and of the heavy burden of responsibility we shoulder. Because I had the privilege of seeing the things that generation saw, and participated with my friends in the difficult campaigns of those days, and, in fact, in all of Israel’s wars, I saw this. And, as one who had the privilege to assist in establishing this Center during the past few years, I have one small request of you: remember Yitzhak Rabin as he truly was.
In the years following the assassination, an attempt was made to claim Yitzhak Rabin for a very small sector of Israeli society. I believe that this attempt transgresses Yitzhak’s image.
I know, it is much easier and more pleasant, here, among friends, to discuss only the most attractive, the greatest and most important issues. But there were many other things, and since in this special center it is possible to educate, I thought it would be appropriate to mention these things too, after I have had the honor of speaking a few times today.
I wish to emphasize that Yitzhak Rabin’s personal history did not begin in Oslo. Anyone who wishes to truly commemorate his path must tell of the fierce battles in the War of Independence, of his role as commander in the Israel Defense Forces during the Six Day War – under his leadership we achieved a splendid victory and experienced unprecedented exaltation. We should also mention his part in establishing the Jewish communities in Judea, Samaria and the Jordan Valley. Here too, he did important things.
Even when he began implementing the agreements with the Palestinians and the Oslo Accords, he did so with a guarded and cautious approach, and did not run ahead euphorically, as some people attempt to present it today. I had the privilege of meeting with Yitzhak two days before his departure to Washington in September 1993. We talked. I told him what I thought, Yitzhak replied. And I saw that his greatest wish, which is also my greatest wish, was to advance the peace process. I saw the burden of his decision, his concern while taking that decision, and the need, despite the many dangers, to make a true attempt.
Above all, we must not forget the unequivocal stand of Yitzhak Rabin, a son of Jerusalem, on the unity of Jerusalem, I would like to read a fragment from his announcement to the Knesset in May 1995 [and I quote]: “The undivided and united Jerusalem was and will eternally remain the capital of the Jewish people under the sovereignty of Israel, the focus for the yearnings and dreams of every Jew. The Government is determined in its opinion that Jerusalem is not a topic open for negotiation. The coming years will also mark an expansion of construction in Greater Jerusalem.” In the framework of these accusations, Yitzhak was accused of being willing to make compromises in Jerusalem, or on Jerusalem.
Leah z”l discussed this issue with me a few times – it hurt her very much. And she asked me: “Is it true that Yitzhak would never relinquish Jerusalem?” I said to her: “It’s true, he would never relinquish Jerusalem”. I somehow had a feeling that those words put her at ease.
Those who seek peace in Israel – from every political camp, need Yitzhak Rabin’s image to be perpetuated as it truly was – first and foremost, as a security figure who always kept Israel’s interests in mind, and believed that the good of the country obligated him to walk cautiously along his chosen path.
I hope that this new Center which we inaugurate today will act in this spirit, and I wish you great success in your activities.
Thank you.
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