SFU: Remembering Yitzhak Rabin: Rekindling optimistic hope for peace

Three cheers to Howard from SFU for this thoughtful and really well-written piece.

Some highlights:

Rabin's last words:

"I was a military man for 27 years. I waged war as long as there was no chance for peace. I believe there is now a chance for peace, a great chance. . . . I have always believed that the majority of the people want peace and are ready to take a chance for peace. . . . This rally must broadcast to the Israeli public, to the world Jewish public and to many in the western and outside world that the people of Israel want peace, support peace. Thank you."

and

Although it is easy to criticize Israeli leaders for their past military pursuits, especially considering that almost all prime ministers were one-time army generals, one common bond that most of them have is the necessity for a non-military solution. Yitzhak Rabin and the past Israeli prime minister Ehud Barak epitomised this characteristic. Even Ariel Sharon is currently putting aside his former commitments to the settlers in order to disengage from the territories and dismantle the majority of settlements.

Whether or not you agree with disengagement, this article is a seriously good read.