[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 148 (Wednesday, October 31, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1974]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 REMARKS OF ISRAELI AMBASSADOR DAVID IVRY AT THE MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR 
                         YITZHAK AND LEAH RABIN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LANTOS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 31, 2001

  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, the distinguished Ambassador of Israel to 
the United States had a most personal and longstanding relationship 
with Israel's late, great Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. It is with deep 
reverence for what Yitzhak Rabin stood for that I share Ambassador 
Ivry's comments with my colleagues.

 Remarks of Israeli Ambassador David Ivry at the Memorial Service for 
                         Yitzhak and Leah Rabin


                     Israeli Ambassador David Ivry

       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 
     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.

     

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