Rivlin warns against 'convenient illusions' at war memorial

During memorial ceremony for soldiers killed in Yom Kippur War, Knesset speaker compares peace process with Egypt to negotiations with Palestinians, says Israelis then felt like there was true partner on other side

Roni Sofer|Published: 09.19.10 , 13:39

Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin said Sunday at a state memorial ceremony for the soldiers killed during the Yom Kippur War, that "the main lesson from the war is that it is our obligation not to sink into convenient illusions that coincide with our hearts desires when considering the facts and not to become addicted again to some old-new illusion that we have finally reached peace and quiet."

"We sinned when we grew addicted to the basic assumptions that became an almost blind faith," admitted Rivlin. "We sinned when we sent soldiers into the inferno without intelligence, without maps, without arms."

'There was a mutual interest.' Peace agreement in 1979 (Photo: AFP)

According to him, "These are serious sins that, if not for fate's sake, nearly brought down another destruction upon us."

On the backdrop of the direct talks between Israel and the Palestinians, Rivlin addressed the peace deal signed with Egyptian President Anwar Sadat just years after the Yom Kippur War.

"Our public instincts signaled that this is not just a photo-op on the White House lawn, not a barren move meant to blacken our name, not another 'interim agreement' shrouded in mystery. We felt that there is real maturity on the other side, that there is a mutual, sustainable interest here," Rivlin said.

"Have we been bestowed with those same emotional instincts today?" wondered Rivlin. "Time will tell."

He noted that in the time leading up to the peace agreement with Egypt, there was a sense that Egypt was a real partner "who is honestly and truly prepared to disconnect his country from the Arab-Jewish conflict, who does not stipulate pre-conditions designed to fail, who speaks to us on the same level from the Knesset podium."

Rivlin concluded his speech with a message to the bereaved families. "The shadow of the Yom Kippur war has been cast upon us for all these years, but on you it has been cast in its full weight and burden every year. From last Yom Kippur to this Yom Kippur; from this Yom Kippur to the next. There are no words in our mouths that can comfort you. If only we will be worthy of your sons' dedication and heroism."