[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 183 (Friday, November 17, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2214]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 REMARKS HONORING YITZHAK RABIN DELIVERED TO COMMUNITY MEMORIAL SERVICE

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                          HON. BILL RICHARDSON

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 17, 1995

  Mr. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, Yitzhak Rabin, my friend, was as great 
in peace as he was in war. He was a son of Israel, who devoted his life 
to Israel.
  When he needed to be a warrior he was one of the best. From his youth 
he was steadfastly committed to the idea of Israel. He spent 25 years 
of his life winning first the battle to establish the state of Israel 
and later the battles for the survival of Israel. Few, if any, have 
done more to secure Israel's existence through the force of arms.
  However, it is as a peacemaker that Prime Minister Rabin did his 
greatest work for Israel. His willingness to seek an equitable solution 
to the problems plaguing the Middle East will be Yitzhak Rabin's 
lasting legacy. Prime Minister Rabin understood that it is through the 
peace process that Israel will gain lasting security.
  After reluctantly shaking hands with Yassir Arafat, a man who had 
been his mortal enemy for much of his life, Prime Minister Rabin said 
the following words:

       We are destined to live together on the same soil in the 
     same land. We, the soldiers who have returned from battles 
     stained with blood; we who have seen our relatives and 
     friends killed before our eyes . . . we who have fought 
     against you, the Palestinians, we say to you in a loud clear 
     voice: Enough of blood and tears. Enough!

  These are the words of a true hero. This man was martyred for his 
commitment to the peace process. It is with great sadness that we say 
goodbye to him today.
  Yitzhak Rabin was a friend of mine. I will miss him greatly. My 
heart, and the hearts of all New Mexicans, go out to his family, and to 
his country. The world has lost one of its greatest men.

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