November 4 is the anniversary of the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin: a tragedy that changed Israel. Rabin and his connection with Ukraine

On November 4, 1995, an event occurred that shocked all of Israel. The assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin became one of the most tragic moments in the modern history of the country and influenced its internal and external political processes.

Yitzhak Rabin had connections with Ukrainewhich go back to his family. Rabin was born in Jerusalem, but his ancestors came from Ukraine. His grandfather, Menachim Rabichov, was born in the village Sidorovichi, located in the Kyiv region. Rabin often referred to his Ukrainian roots in the context of Jewish diaspora and cultural identity.

In Odessa the street is named after Yitzhak Rabin.

We have already written about Rabin’s Ukrainian roots – “In the Ukrainian village where Yitzhak Rabin’s father was born, Putin’s soldiers looted the Israeli flag from the library, donated to the village by the state of Israel.”.

In September 1995, Yitzhak Rabin paid an official visit to Ukraine and met with President of Ukraine Leonid Kuchma.

IN joint statement was, “The Israeli side recognized that the existence of an independent and sovereign Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders is an important factor for strengthening stability in Europe and meets the interests of the entire international society”.

Yitzhak Rabin then addressed the public and the Jewish diaspora of Ukraine in the Kiev district of Nivki, on the territory belonging to the Jewish organization Sokhnut.

This was the last foreign trip of the Israeli politician and head of government.. Upon returning from Kyiv, on November 9, 1995, Yitzhak Rabin was shot dead in Tel Aviv Yigal Amirwho took revenge for the “peace agreements with Palestine.”

Communication between Israel and the Sidorovichs has resumed in 2011when, on the initiative of the head of the Limmud educational project, Chaim Chesler, in the village a memorial plaque was installed in honor of Nehemia Rabichev and his children.

The opening ceremony was attended by Nehemiah's grandson and Yitzhak's son Yuval Rabin.

“My father, like me, are natives of Israel. But in our family there were echoes of the place where my grandfather was born. For example, my father was very fond of Ukrainian borscht and dumplings. It’s very touching for me to visit my grandfather’s homeland – I’ve returned to my roots,” Yuval Rabin told the press in those days.

An Israeli flag was placed next to the memorial sign, and books about Israel and works of Jewish literature were donated to the village library at the local House of Culture.

The House of Culture planned to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Yitzhak Rabin on March 1, 2022. But this was not destined to happen. Five days before this date, on February 24, 2022, Russian troops invaded Ukraine.

The village was on the way of the invaders on the way to Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. Having passed through the Chernobyl zone, Russian soldiers already entered Sidorovichi on February 25. 35 days of brutal occupation began.

Characteristic moment: Russian soldiers stole more than just washing machines before retreating from the village from the homes of civilians.

Putin's soldiers stole the Israeli flag from the library, donated to the village during the opening of the memorial plaque. More details – https://nikk.agency/soldaty-putina-smarodjorili/

Let's think about the symbolism of this action: Russian soldiers take away the Israeli flag as a trophy from a Ukrainian village.

When the history of the village of Sidorovichi became known Ambassador of Israel to Ukraine Michael Brodskyhis reaction was immediate. On behalf of the ambassador, an Israeli flag was delivered to the village – instead of the flag that was stolen by the Russian occupiers; medicine was also delivered.

The liberated Ukrainian village that gave Israel such prominent figures now has an Israeli flag again.

Political career and peace efforts

Rabin began his career at the Palmach, which became the basis for the Israel Defense Forces. In 1948, during the War of Independence, he showed outstanding leadership qualities, which helped him take the post of Chief of the General Staff in 1967, during the Six Day War.

Rabin was first elected prime minister in 1974, but his first reign was hampered by an economic crisis and internal conflicts. In 1992, Rabin again headed the government and began the process of peacefully resolving the conflict with the Palestinians. He became a symbol of hope for peace by signing the Oslo Accords in 1993, which recognized the existence of Israel and the PLO.

Rabin, Arafat and Shimon Peres were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994 for their efforts to peacefully resolve the conflict. These agreements were the first step towards more stable relations between Israelis and Palestinians, but caused bitter disputes and divisions in Israeli society. Rabin was criticized for negotiating with “enemies” and became a target of far-right groups.

Murder and its consequences

Rabin's assassination occurred after he spoke at a rally in support of the peace process. Yigal Amir, a far-right extremist, shot and killed Rabin, claiming that he was defending Israel from its peace accords. The killing came as a shock to the country and the world, sparking widespread protests and expressions of grief among Israelis.

Immediately after his death, the square where the murder took place became a place of mourning. People lit candles, left flowers and wrote graffiti on the walls. Tel Aviv Mayor Roni Milo announced the renaming of Kings of Israel Square to Yitzhak Rabin Square. This event marked a turning point in Israel's history and changed the way the world viewed itself.

Memory of Rabin

Rabin left a legacy that lives on in Israeli memory. Many institutions bear his name, including schools, avenues and monuments. The Rabin Heritage Center was built in Tel Aviv to house documents and artifacts related to his life and work.

Knesset cancels Rabin memorial ceremonies at family request: 'Now is not the time'

For the first time in 2024, the Knesset will not hold a special meeting dedicated to the anniversary of the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin. Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana said Rabin's family had asked the Knesset not to hold any ceremonies this year because of the war. This year, ceremonies in memory of Rabin were supposed to take place on November 13. This is the day of the assassination of the Prime Minister according to the Jewish calendar.

Rabin's daughter Dalia sent a letter to the Speaker, President Herzog and Prime Minister Netanyahu calling for the cancellation of events marking the anniversary of her father's assassination.

“Israel is now dealing with serious challenges and threats that have befallen it since October 7. Since the war has dragged on and there is a risk of its expansion, I believe that now is not the time to hold large ceremonies. It will be enough to honor the memory of Yitzhak Rabin with restraint,” wrote Dalia Rabin-Philozof.

Conclusion

The assassination of Yitzhak Rabin was not only a tragedy for Israel, but also a symbol of hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of Israelis to seek paths to peace and reconciliation. It is necessary to remember this tragedy and its consequences in order to avoid history repeating itself.