Rep. Keith Ellison and Sen. Dianne Feinstein Introduce Resolution Commemorating Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin

WASHINGTON – Earlier today, Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN), with Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN), Rep. John Yarmuth (D-KY), and Rep. Earl Blumenauer introduced a resolution to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. 

 

Senator Diane Feinstein (D-CA) introduced a companion resolution in the Senate with Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Tom Carper (D-DE), Al Franken (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Tim Kaine (D-VA). 

 

“Twenty years ago, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was killed for trying to build peace,” said Rep. Ellison. “Prime Minister Rabin gave his life to the heroic work of ending decades of war. The violence that killed Prime Minister Rabin stems from the same place as the violence we see today: the lack of two states for two peoples, living side-by-side in peace and security. We need Prime Minister Rabin’s courage now.”

 

"Yitzhak Rabin was a man of peace. While his assassin may have ended his life 20 years ago, he remains an inspiration to me and his message must live on," said Senator Feinstein. "Today, with renewed violence in Israel and the Palestinian territories, his courageous leadership is an especially important model for all."

The escalating violence in Israel and Palestinian Territories is heartbreaking, and one cannot help but wonder what the region would look like today had Prime Minister Rabin’s life not been violently cut short,” said Rep. Blumenauer. “As he knew then, and came so close to securing, the only path to a sustainable peace is a negotiated two-state solution. Through this Resolution, we must highlight this anniversary to not only mark his life’s inspiring work, but recommit ourselves to those efforts. We are a world away from the one Rabin left 20 years ago, but opportunities to partner and build trust on efforts like averting the looming water crisis in Gaza or restoring the historic Jordan River that pollutes both Israeli and Palestinian communities alike, are steps that can be taken right now and put us on path to the lasting peace Rabin so bravely championed. Peace cannot wait.”

“Today, I along with Reps. Keith Ellison, John Yarmuth and Senators Diane Feinstein, Jeanne Shaheen, Patrick Leahy, Barbara Boxer, Al Franken, Jeff Merkley, Chris Murphy and Tim Kaine introduced a resolution recognizing the 20th anniversary of the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin,” said Rep. Cohen.  “His death was a devastating blow to years of hard work to secure peace between Israel and its neighbors.  As Prime Minister, he was awarded the 1994 Nobel Peace Prize for his work helping lay the groundwork for the 1979 Camp David Peace Treaty between Israel and Egypt, signing the Oslo Accords between Israel and the Palestinians, and signing a peace treaty with Jordan.  I had the privilege of meeting Yitzhak Rabin on a trip to Israel in 1988, and I will never forget our conversations. His picture hangs in my office as he was a man who I admire greatly for his wisdom and courage in pursuing peace and defending his nation. He was a brilliant leader.” 

“Prime Minister Rabin worked tirelessly for peace and security during his lifetime,” said Rep. Yarmuth. “As we near the twentieth anniversary of his death it is our hope that leaders in the region will commit to ending the ongoing violence and work toward a two-state solution, the only option that will ensure long-term peace.”