Address by PM Sharon 4th Commemoration of the Assassination of Minister Rehavam Ze’evi

Mr. Speaker of the Knesset, Dear Yael, The Ze’evi family, Members of Knesset, Four years have passed since Minister Rehavam, “Gandi”, Ze’evi, may G-d avenge his death, was slain by the bullets of Palestinian assassins. Four years have passed since I received the news in the helicopter, on my way – how symbolic – to a tour of the Jordan Valley. I have no doubt that if Gandi had been alive today, he would have been among my fiercest opponents. But it is also clear to me that he would have done it with respect and civility, in his fair and honorable manner. I have felt his absence in this building in the past year more than ever before. Even after his death, there are many who oppose his ideology and political path. But there is no one who can erase or ignore his heritage with regard to the Land of Israel. In July of this year the Knesset passed the Law for the Commemoration of Rehavam Ze’evi. I attribute supreme importance to providing official state recognition to the memory and activity of Gandi the man, regardless of any political discord with him. We are currently engaged in assembling the public council which is expected to be established according to this law, and which will comprise public and government representatives. The council will also include representatives of the Gandi Heritage Association, which has, since his death, been engaged in extensive educational activity, with emphasis on the study of Eretz Israel. Gandi’s love for Eretz Israel found expression in all his roles as fighter and commander, but above all, it was manifested in his effort to inculcate and preserve the heritage of Eretz Israel. He was a “one man’s heritage enterprise”. He collected, one by one, the pieces of the rich and complex mosaic comprising the annals of the Land of Israel. He edited and translated into Hebrew 72 books on this land, written by travelers and pilgrims throughout the generations. He collected travel books by members of all faiths who were drawn to the magic of the land of the Bible. In his journeys into the annals of the Jewish past he collected the factual and historical infrastructure underlying our right to this land. As a fighter and a warrior he believed that only our strength will guarantee the Jewish people’s existence in its land. As an intellectual he knew that our existence here in a sovereign Jewish state can only be guaranteed if our birthright to this piece of land is recognized by us, our neighbors and the entire world. Members of Knesset, Four years have passed since the “champion of our homeland’s youth” dropped his heavy backpack, while climbing uphill. All that is left for us to do is to lift this pack onto our backs and continue on this winding road – eradicating terrorism, bringing security and quiet to our nation which yearns for true peace, and forever defend the only state of the Jewish people, the State of Israel. May his memory be blessed.
Breuerpress-info