IN MEMORIAM YITZHAK RABIN

(Washington, D.C.): In a democracy, the transfer of
political power is supposed to occur in a peaceful and orderly
fashion in accordance with the will of the majority of the
electorate. When it happens instead as the result of a violent
act, democracy itself suffers and all those who believe in
democratic principles are among the innocent victims.

Thus it is that even the sharpest American critics of Israeli
Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin’s recent policies — who believe
that democratic processes should have been utilized to change
them — join his many admirers in mourning the tragic passing of
this man. The Center for Security Policy expresses its heartfelt
condolences to the Rabin family, to the Israeli people and to all
who share the Center’s commitment to a strong and secure Israel.

Israel’s is a young democracy. It is the only one in the
Middle East — a region known for its political violence. But, as
Americans can attest, even advanced democracies have experienced
such violence. In the aftermath of this sort of tragedy, it is
imperative to return to the first principles of democratic
governance — specifically, to engage with mutual respect in the
sort of rigorous analysis and open debate warranted by the major
issues of the day and required by genuine democracy.

If Yitzhak Rabin’s legacy is truly to be one of peace and
reconciliation, ways must be found to heal past wounds and to
restore a sense of unity within Israel and the broader
pro-Israeli community. The Center for Security Policy looks
forward to playing a constructive role in such a process in
memory of the best of Yitzhak Rabin’s service to his country and
to the cause of peace.