Who remembers Rabin?
High school students know very little about late Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, Ynet survey reveals. Schools don't teach enough about Rabin, students claim
So, how much do you know about Rabin? High school students in Israel know very little about late Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, assassinated by Yigal Amir 10 years ago, a Ynet survey revealed.
Despite a bill passed in the Knesset in 1997, stating that all schools in Israel must engage in educational activities on Rabin's murder, the importance of democracy in Israel and, the dangers of violence for the State and society, Israeli students appear to lack basic knowledge on the leader and his personal history.
In the survey conducted by Ynet, 30 high school students from across Israel and from different sectors of society were asked 10 questions on the life and accomplishments of Rabin, including when and how he was assassinated, the posts he filled during his life, the country he signed a peace treaty with, and the international award he was awarded.
Only one third of respondents remembered the date of Rabin's assassination, while most did not know he served as Chief of Staff in the Six-Days War.
Almost half the students failed to name Jordan as Israel's ally for peace during Rabin's term, suggesting instead it was Egypt he signed the peace accord with.
'Schools don't teach us enough'
In an attempt to account for the poor achievements, the students said the education system was at fault.
"During the year we don't learn anything about Rabin. He is only mentioned on his memorial day, and even then just briefly. This is not enough," Shay Bialik, chairman of the National Student Council said, adding that the schools lack any substantial focus on heritage.
"Most teenagers barely know the words of the national anthem," he concluded.
Another student, Ran Tibi, said it was important to teach Rabin's heritage, because "Rabin's murder has turned in recent years to the murder of democracy."
"It is important to talk with students about the assassination, and teach them how to draw conclusions. It should be taught as an example for the significance of democracy," Tibi explained.
A special study kit
The Education Ministry, meanwhile, said it has worked extensively to teach students the heritage of the late prime minister.
Ministry sources stated that their office produced a special study kit for the commemoration of Rabin, containing a CD and posters.
"Schools have been instructed to commemorate Rabin's heritage and discuss certain issues pertaining to democracy in Israel," a source in the Ministry said.
A source at the Rabin Center said in response to the survey "the findings of the article indicate that efforts to commemorate late Prime Minister Rabin should not be neglected."
"In order to ensure that Rabin is not forgotten, the Center holds educational activities all over Israel throughout the year, in cooperation with the Education Ministry," the source said.
