History to repeat itself? Thirty nine percent of Israel's Jewish citizens believe that another politically motivated murder, such as that of former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin ,might occur in near future, a Ynet and Gesher poll reveals.
The survey, conducted by Panels Ltd. research institute, included 509 respondents that represent a statistical sample of Israel 'sadult Jewish population (maximum sampling error: 4.4%)
Related stories:
According to the poll's findings, 8% of respondents believe the chances of a "political murder" taking place in Israel in 2011 are "extremely high," while 31% said it was "high" and 30% maintained that chances were "low." Another 12% of respondents believed the probability for such a murder is "extremely low" and 19% had no opinion on the matter.
Yes to memorial, no to attendance
Analyzed according to religious affiliation, the data indicates that while 50% of secular Israelis are highly concerned about another politically motivated assassination, 51% of traditional Israelis and 65% of haredim believe the odds for such a murder are low.
Asked whether it is appropriate to hold an annual memorial event to mark Rabin's assassination, 80% of respondents replied affirmatively, while 14% said there was no justification for such an event.
Though the vast majority of respondents were in favor of holding a memorial, only few said they would attend the ceremony, with only 9% of respondents saying there was a "very high" likelihood that they would participate.
Gesher Director Ilan Gal-Dor commented on the survey's findings, noting that "Rabin's memorial day highlights the large rift between religious and secular Israelis and their concern over the possibility of another politically motivated murder taking place."