Rabin Memorial Ceremony
Sunday, October 28, 2001
Secretary Albright, Ms. Ehrman, distinguished guests,It is with a heavy heart that I stand before you today, and pay tribute to a couple whose dedication to Israel brought us hope, whose efforts for peace renewed our vision of the future, and whose legacy will be remembered for generations to come.
Yitzhak and Leah Rabin are no longer with us, but their memories are inscribed on the stones of history. Sustained in our hearts and minds forever.
Leah was a supportive wife, a devoted mother, and a pillar of strength to those who knew her.
Yitzhak was a man of integrity and vision. An honorable soldier whose greatest mission was his battle for peace.
I first met Yitzhak in 1959. I was a young captain, and he, the Deputy Chief of General Staff, a respected leader and a critical asset to the IDF.
Our paths frequently crossed again over the years until the day he approached me and requested that I return to the Ministry of Defense.
I knew him in times of crisis and success. I found him to be a sensitive man, emotional to the point of tears at the loss of life; a leader who was not only attentive but knew how to listen. He had a piercing analytical understanding of the issues. He was a man who saw the minute details, without losing sight of the larger picture.
Yitzhak Rabin - the man of security, who fought in battles and wars, Chief of Staff of the IDF during the Six-Day War.
As we mourn the loss of our fallen hero, we must remember, he dedicated his career to national defense, and his life to Israel's future.
In fact, at the time of his assassination, Rabin served not only as Prime Minister, but also as the Minister of Defense.
In 1986, I served as Director General of the Ministry of Defense, as per Rabin's request. I held this office for nearly ten years. Basically, because Rabin would not let me leave.
At our weekly meeting on Friday, November third, nineteen ninety-five, I raised the issue of my resignation. I had served an unprecedented number of years as Director General, and I felt it was time to move on.
Rabin understood my reasoning, but requested that I stay in that post. After deliberation, we decided to discuss this and other pending issues at our next meeting on Sunday, November fifth.
Of course, that conversation never took place.
With just three shots from an assassin, Yitzhak's potential as a leader was brought to an end. His life was cut short, and the future of the Middle East would never be the same again.
Though his dreams have not become a reality, Rabin's vision for the future lives on. It is kept alive in the heart of each Israeli citizen and soldier who wishes to live in a land of security and peace.
Over the past year, this dream has been marred by tragedy, sorrow, and pain. But amidst the broken pieces, the Israeli people have emerged united. Bonded by a unique determination and resolve.
This resolve has been strengthened by the abiding relationship of Israel and the United States. For over half a century, we have stood together as true partners and friends.
As a diplomat, general, and statesman, Yitzhak Rabin appreciated the unwavering support of the United States, its vital role in peace negotiations, and our joint efforts to maintain stability in the Middle East.
Although regional stability has been shaken, the ties that bind us remain strong. As our two nations mourn the tragedy of September eleventh it is clear - the United States and Israel are forever partners in the pursuit of security and peace.
This is just one element of the legacy left behind by Yitzhak Rabin. Though his leadership has come to an end, his message still remains. Today, we remember that peace is not just a dream. It is essential to our future, and the future of generations to come.
Shalom haverim. Shalom friends. May the memory of Yitzhak and Leah be with us forever.
