“On November 4, 1995, Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated after attending a peace rally in Tel Aviv, where his last words were, “I have always believed that the majority of the people want peace, are prepared to take risks for peace . . . Peace is what the Jewish People aspire to.”
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio), along with Congressmen Dean Phillips (D-Minn.-3) and Tom Reed (R-N.Y.-23), have introduced a resolution in both the Senate and House of Representatives to honor the life, legacy and example of former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, who was assassinated 25 years ago on November 4, 1995 for his pursuit of peace between Israelis and Palestinians. The lawmakers express support for community leaders and government officials who continue to encourage co-existence and cooperation between the Israelis and Palestinians and reaffirms strong United States’ support for “two states—a democratic Jewish State of Israel, and a viable, democratic Palestinian state—living side-by-side in peace, security, and mutual recognition.”
“Yitzhak Rabin’s legacy is one of hope and peace overcoming generations of mistrust and violence. Over the course of his lifetime, Rabin experienced personal and political transformations that led to his courageous fight for peace, for which he paid the ultimate price. It is this courage and vision of two states for two peoples that we must continue to embrace and make real,” said Senator Cardin. “The special relationship between Israel and the United States remains strong and it is a driving force in our desire to see a lasting peace in the region.”
“I am proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution honoring the life and legacy of Yitzhak Rabin. He dedicated his life to the cause of peace and security for our ally Israel by defending his nation against all threats, including terrorism and invasion, and undertaking courageous risks in the pursuit of peace,” said Senator Portman. “This resolution honors his efforts and upholds his memory, while reaffirming the continued support for the close ties and special relationship between the United States and Israel.”
“As a Jewish American, I am a proud supporter of Israel, our most important ally in the Middle East,” Congressman Phillips said. “While Yitzhak Rabin went through considerable personal and political transformation, he dedicated his life to Israeli prosperity and ultimately gave his life in pursuit of peace with its neighbors. Laying the groundwork for peace is difficult, but important work. Like Rabin, I believe that Israel must remain a Jewish and democratic nation, and stand alongside a viable, democratic Palestinian state. I will continue to honor those who come together to build bridges of understanding and cooperation.”
“As one of our closest allies and a great friend to United States, it is only fair that we continue to stand with the nation of Israel and its people. This bipartisan resolution makes clear the country’s deep appreciation for the selfless actions and sacrifices made by Yitzhak Rabin over the course of his incredible life. We will continue to stand on the side of democracy and always lift up those willing to dedicate their lives to the pursuit of long-lasting peace in the Middle East,” said Congressman Reed.
Senate cosponsors of the resolution include: Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.).
The text of the resolution follows and can be found at this link.
Honoring the life, legacy, and example of former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin on the 25th anniversary of his death.
Whereas Yitzhak Rabin was born March 1, 1922, in Jerusalem;
Whereas Yitzhak Rabin served as Ambassador to the United States from 1968 to 1973, Minister of Defense from 1984 to 1990, and Prime Minister from 1974 to 1977 and from 1992 until his assassination in 1995;
Whereas, in 1975, Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin signed the interim agreement with Egypt which laid the groundwork for the 1979 Camp David Peace Treaty between Israel and Egypt;
Whereas, on September 13, 1993, in Washington, D.C., Yitzhak Rabin signed the Declaration of Principles framework agreement between Israel and the Palestinians, also known as the Oslo Accords;
Whereas Yitzhak Rabin, along with Shimon Peres and Yasser Arafat, received the 1994 Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts to create peace in the Middle East;
Whereas, in his acceptance speech for the Nobel Prize, Rabin said, “We will pursue the course of peace with determination and fortitude. We will not let up. We will not give in. Peace will triumph over all our enemies, because the alternative is grim for us all. And we will prevail. We will prevail because we regard the building of peace as a great blessing for us, and for our children after us.”;
Whereas, on October 26, 1994, Yitzhak Rabin and King Hussein of Jordan signed a peace treaty between Israel and Jordan, saying at the time: “There is only one radical means of sanctifying human lives. Not armored plating, or tanks, or planes, or concrete fortifications. The one radical solution is peace.”;
Whereas, on November 4, 1995, Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated after attending a peace rally in Tel Aviv, where his last words were, “I have always believed that the majority of the people want peace, are prepared to take risks for peace . . . Peace is what the Jewish People aspire to.”;
Whereas Yitzhak Rabin dedicated his life to the cause of peace and security for the State of Israel by defending his nation against all threats, including terrorism and invasion, and undertaking courageous risks in the pursuit of peace;
Whereas, in the years following Yitzhak Rabin’s assassination, successive United States administrations have sought to help Israel and the Palestinians achieve a negotiated two-state solution that ends their conflict; and
Whereas, twenty-five years later, the leadership of Yitzhak Rabin can be a model for securing peace during a time of conflict: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate—
(1) honors the historic role of Yitzhak Rabin for his distinguished service to the Israeli people and extends its deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of Yitzhak Rabin and the people of Israel on the 25th anniversary of his death;
(2) recognizes and reiterates its continued support for the close ties and special relationship between the United States and Israel;
(3) expresses support and admiration for community leaders and government officials who work tirelessly to encourage co-existence and cooperation between the Israelis and Palestinians; and
(4) reaffirms its strong support for a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict resulting in two states—a democratic Jewish State of Israel, and a viable, democratic Palestinian state—living side-by-side in peace, security, and mutual recognition.
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