Yitzak Rabin Memorial

Today, November 4th, 2006, marked the 11th anniversary of the assassination of Yitzak Rabin. (Rabin was assassinated at a peace rally in Tel Aviv 11 years ago by a fanatical Jew, Yigal Amir, who believed that by negotiating peace agreements with the Palestinians Rabin was betraying the Jewish people.) In remembrance of his life and death, there was a large memorial in Rabin Square in Tel Aviv-- the site where he was assassinated. The streets were closed and the area barricaded with security forces at each entrance for the event, which was estimated to have drawn 100,000 people. It was a really moving event. There were tens of thousands of people-- parents with their infants, groups of teenagers, elderly couples, soldiers with M-16s, young couples. The keynote speaker for the evening was David Grossman, and a variety of musicians performed. They were probably famous, but the only one I recognized was David Broza, because his son goes to our school and I've seen him perform once before. My pictures don't really do the memorial justice, but here they are:

The main crowd.

The main stage.

Crowds on Ibn Gvirol.

The site of the assassination-- a permanent memorial.

Sidewalk memorial.

Shalom achshav:
Peace now.

-------------

Funny story about the Shalom achshav banner:

Hellen and I walk by the first banner reading Shalom achshav.

Hellen: I don't get it. What does that say?
Me: Shalom achshav.
Hellen: What?! Hello now?