Rachel Rabin, Sister of Yitzhak Rabin and Kibbutz Founder, Dies at 101
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Rachel Rabin, sister of the late Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and a co-founder of Kibbutz Menara, died at 101. Her granddaughter, Maya Valentine, recently published a biography about her life and contributions. Rabin was an educator and leader in various youth movements and kibbutz organizations. The book explores her life, family relationships, and her perspective on Israeli society, with Valentine noting its relevance in light of current events.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Rachel Rabin, sister of Yitzhak Rabin and kibbutz founder, died at 101.
- Her granddaughter Maya Valentine published a biography about her life.
- Rabin was an educator and leader in youth movements and kibbutz organizations.
- The biography explores her personal relationships and views on Israeli society.
- Valentine believes the book offers lessons relevant to current challenges.
- Rabin passed away after being evacuated from her kibbutz due to the war.
Rachel Rabin, a prominent educator, co-founder of Kibbutz Menara in the Upper Galilee, and the sister of the late Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, passed away at the age of 101, just hours before the start of the new Hebrew year. Her granddaughter, Maya Valentine, delivered a eulogy at the funeral. Valentine recently published a biography of Rabin, titled "Rachel Rabin," which took eight years to complete. The book, initiated by Rabin's daughter Tirtza, aims to present a comprehensive portrait of a woman often overshadowed by her famous brother.
Born in 1925, Rachel was the youngest of Yitzhak Rabin's siblings. She was married to Rafi, who died in 2012, and was the mother of Gadi, Yiftach, and Tirtza, as well as an adoptive mother to Biniamin (Biniya) Jedidi, who was killed in the Yom Kippur War. Throughout her life, Rabin served as president of the Working Youth movement, secretary of Kibbutz Menara, and an educator who helped establish the "Har Ve'Gai" high school in Kibbutz Dafna.
Valentine described the writing process as challenging, especially given the family connection, but ultimately rewarding. She noted that her grandmother, though not fully lucid, was pleased to learn a book was being written about her. The book delves into Rabin's life, including her role in establishing the kibbutz, her leadership positions, and her personal relationships, such as her marriage to Rafi, which was marked by his affair with another kibbutz member.
Rabin maintained a close relationship with her brother Yitzhak, preserving their correspondence. While Yitzhak pursued a political and military career, Rachel dedicated herself to building Kibbutz Menara. The book also touches upon the complex dynamics within the Rabin family, including the contrasting personalities of Rachel and Leah Rabin, Yitzhak's wife, and the impact of Yitzhak's assassination on Rachel.
Valentine believes the book's relevance is heightened by current events, suggesting that comparing the sacrifices of the War of Independence to the challenges faced by the current generation offers valuable lessons. Rabin, who passed away at Kibbutz Kinneret after being evacuated from Menara due to the war, remained optimistic about the youth and believed in the importance of shared values for building society, even amidst political divisions.