When Rabin Was Assassinated, Israel Changed Before My Eyes
After Yitzhak Rabin's assassination on November 4, 1995, many in Israel felt the country had changed irreversibly. In 1995, Israelis mourned their Prime Minister at the very square in Tel Aviv where he was killed.
A Somber Journey to Amman
The minibus was packed with Jordanians traveling from the south of the country to Amman. Their faces were grim throughout the three-hour trip. The radio broadcast was filled with somber discussions, mentioning places such as Tel Aviv, Washington, Amman, and Al Quds, the Arabic name for Jerusalem. No one spoke during the journey, and the silence felt heavy.
The Moment of Realization
Upon arriving at my hotel in Amman, I noticed a TV screen displaying a photo of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, with the years 1922–1995. It was then I understood a terrible event had occurred.
“1922-1995”
Anticipating Turmoil
My thoughts raced through worst-case scenarios: an assassination by a Palestinian group, the outbreak of war, cycles of retaliation, and a spiral of escalating violence.
Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis each day.
Author’s summary: The assassination of Yitzhak Rabin in 1995 marked a profound and somber turning point in Israel, stirring fears of renewed violence and lasting change.