[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 175 (Tuesday, November 7, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H11790]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                YITZHAK RABIN DEDICATED TO LASTING PEACE

  (Mr. FORBES asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of one of the 
giants of the 20th century, a true hero, Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin.
  Prime Minister Rabin, who was tragically taken from us over the 
weekend, could best be described as one of the Founding Fathers of the 
State of Israel, and a man dedicated to lasting peace in the Middle 
East.
  As a soldier, he led troops during Israel's War of Independence in 
1948. As chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces, he led Israel to 
a victory over Arab forces in 1967. As Defense Minister, he 
strengthened Israel's armies to defend against external threats, and as 
Prime Minister, he pursued peace with Israel's enemies. Above all else, 
he was a true patriot, whose commitment to the people of Israel and a 
secure future for all of its generations to come was unequivocal.
  For those of us here in America, he was a friend, a comfortable 
friend, who we came to know during his time as Israeli Ambassador to 
the United States.
  This past August, my wife, Barbara and I, had the good fortune of 
spending some time with the Prime Minister and his lovely wife, Leah. 
During that visit as I toured Israel, it was clear that Prime Minister 
Rabin was undergoing tremendous pressure from external forces as well 
as internal forces, as he so valiantly pursued the process of peace. 
This and so much more shall serve as an enduring legacy of hope and 
optimism that characterized the rich and full life of Prime Minister 
Rabin. Our prayers are with the Prime Minister's family and with all 
Israelis during the most difficult time.

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