Rabin Memorial Held at World's Only Synagogue Named in His Honor

Dozens gathered at the Ohel Yitzhak synagogue in Rehovot on Thursday evening for a memorial ceremony commemorating the assassination of Prime Minister and Defense Minister Yitzhak Rabin 31 years ago. The synagogue, an Orthodox establishment founded by Dr. Gadi Gevaryahu about 18 months after Rabin's murder, is believed to be the only one worldwide named after him. The event highlighted a strain of democratic, humanist religious Zionism, presented as an alternative to what the speakers described as the growing extremism within the sector's parties and media.

Kobi Addu, the community chairman, emphasized the importance of remembering Rabin's assassination not just as a historical event but as a call to action. "We are here to remember and think about what we can take from this day into our own lives," he stated, urging attendees to actively pursue peace rather than passively love it. He noted the diverse political views within the congregation, united by their abhorrence of the assassination.

Former Rehovot mayor Yaakov Sandler shared personal anecdotes of Rabin, recalling his integrity and dislike for political maneuvering. Rabbi Professor Naftali Rotenberg spoke about Rabin's peace legacy, questioning whether his military victories or his unfulfilled peace efforts should be remembered. He stressed that the pursuit of peace should be a daily commitment for everyone, not confined to specific groups, and that human rights are not a political issue.

Miah Valentine, granddaughter of Rabin's sister Rachel, recounted the close bond between the siblings and how Rachel became increasingly concerned for Yitzhak's safety amidst the rising incitement against him. Valentine shared that her grandmother felt unheard in her warnings about the danger to her brother's life.

Chaim Wachsman, brother of Nachshon Wachsman, who was killed during a failed rescue attempt in 1994, spoke of Rabin's personal connection to his family. He recalled Rabin calling his father every Friday evening until his assassination and attending the ceremony for his mother's passing shortly after the peace treaty with Jordan was signed, explaining his presence by stating that having lost his own son, he wanted to prevent other parents from experiencing similar grief.

The ceremony concluded with discussions on the nature of unity and the importance of remembering the past, with speakers like Mayor Matan Dil and City Council Member Ital Bachir Alshich advocating for unity around positive goals that respect individual differences. Renana Raz, a high school student, discussed the religious imperative to pray for the government's welfare, even when it is not benevolent.