Remembering Rabin’s legacy

Op-ed: Rabin knew peace with Palestinians required for Israel's future, lasting security

Matthew Gould|Published: 10.20.10 , 11:12

I still remember the moment 15 years ago when, as a young diplomat on my first posting in the Philippines, I heard Eitan Haber announcing the death of Yitzhak Rabin; that the man who brought Israel peace with Jordan, who tried to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict had been assassinated. Israel and all those around the world who care about Israel still mourn his death.

In the 15 years since, Israel has chalked up impressive achievements in every field: economic, social, academic. Its scientists have won Nobel Prizes; its sportspeople have won Olympic medals. Israel’s economy is thriving and emerged virtually unscathed from the global financial crisis. Israel has the world's most high-tech and innovative economy. Israel’s writers and cultural icons are making their mark overseas and Israeli films win international acclaim.

Israel has made remarkable progress in every area. Every area – except one. Peace. And it is this heartbreaking lack of progress towards peace that makes it so important that we examine Yitzhak Rabin's legacy today.

Rabin saw the path to peace with great clarity. He realized that to end war and make peace, you have to make brave decisions and pointed out that “You don't make peace with your friends. You make it with your enemies.” The man who carried his comrades in war and defended his land and people is also the man who offered an olive branch to turn an enemy into a friend. Always loyal to the eternal values of the Jewish people, Rabin sought out peace in order to realize the Biblical pledge: “And I will give peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid” (Leviticus 26:6).

Rabin also said “Israel is no longer a people that dwells alone, and has to join the global journey toward peace.” There are some around the world who want Israel delegitimized, and cast out from the community of nations. There are many, many more who desperately want to walk with Israel on that global journey.

Painful concessions on both sides

Rabin knew too that keeping the Palestinians in a state of poverty and misery and denying them control of their own affairs, could only result in more violence, and more radicalization. Rabin once said that “the only way to dry the swamp of radical Islam is through economic development and an improved standard of living.”

In recent years, Israel has taken brave steps in the West Bank that have helped economic growth and made the lives of many Palestinians better. Britain, along with many others in the international community, is playing its part. Much more can be done there. And more needs to be done in Gaza to improve conditions for ordinary Gazans, while preventing terrorists from building up their strength.

Such economic improvements are important – but they are not sufficient in themselves; they need to complement the political process. Both sides need to break through the current impasse before the window closes on a two-state solution and Rabin’s vision. There will be “painful concessions” to be made on both sides.

What Rabin and his brave partner Shimon Peres understood almost 20 years ago, many others have since come to understand. It was Winston Churchill who said, “It is not enough that we do our best; sometimes we have to do what’s required.” Rabin knew what was required, for Israel's future and lasting security: peace with the Palestinians. And Rabin pursued what was required, even though it cost him his life.

Israel was not alone in its shock and grief the night Rabin was assassinated. As we mark the passing of 15 years since that terrible day, the best way my country and I can honor Rabin's memory is to pledge that we will stand beside Israel as it walks down the difficult path to peace.