Rachel Rabin, Sister of Slain PM Yitzhak Rabin, Dies at 101

Rachel Rabin Yaakov, the sister of assassinated Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, passed away on Friday at the age of 101. Born in Tel Aviv when her brother was nearly three, Rabin was among the founders of Kibbutz Menara in the Upper Galilee in 1943. She remained a member of the kibbutz, located near the Lebanese border, throughout her life, holding numerous positions.

During the 1948 War of Independence, Rabin stayed at Kibbutz Menara while most children and mothers were evacuated. She defended the kibbutz with fellow members against shelling. She was the first teacher for the inaugural class at Menara and later taught at the local elementary school and helped establish the regional "Har VeGei" school in Kibbutz Dafna.

Her extensive contributions to education were recognized with multiple awards, including the Youth Aliyah and Settlement Education Prize, a "Model Educator" award from academic colleges, and education prizes from the Hebrew University and the Upper Galilee. She also received the "Yekirat Oranim" and "Yekirat Tel Hai" honors.

President Isaac Herzog eulogized Rabin, calling her life a "model of educational and public endeavor." He recalled her role as a fighter defending Menara during the War of Independence and her decades as a leading figure in the kibbutz movement. Herzog noted her deep sorrow over her brother's assassination but highlighted her commitment to public service.

Kibbutz Menara described Rabin as a "pillar of the kibbutz" and a significant force in shaping its identity and community. Assaf Lengel, head of the Upper Galilee Regional Council, remembered her as a symbol of the region, a pioneer, and an educator who dedicated her life to building the kibbutz and its community. Rabin, who was evacuated from her home during recent conflicts, will be laid to rest at Kibbutz Menara on Monday at 3:00 PM.

Rabin was married to Rafi Yaakov, who passed away in 2012. They had three children: Tirtza, Yiftah, and Gad. They also adopted Benjamin Jedidi, who was killed in the Yom Kippur War.