Poll: 39% of Israelis say another 'Rabin murder' possible

Sixteen years after former prime minister's assassination, over a third of Israelis believe lesson has not been learned; fear history might repeat itself

Ynet|Published: 11.07.11 , 00:49

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's adult Jewish population (maximum sampling error: 4.4%)

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."