(Washington, D.C) Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) marked the 14^th anniversary of the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin.

“I not only remember Yitzhak Rabin as a Prime Minister, politician, diplomat, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, I also remember him as a friend,” Hastings said.  “I was privileged to attend his funeral to honor him as a courageous leader and a true statesman.”

“The Middle East faces many difficult challenges in charting a path toward peace.  Prime Minister Rabin’s legacy is, without a doubt, an encouragement for the future. We must always remember that peace is possible and not give up hope.  I remain committed to working towards a solution in which Israel finds itself at peace with its neighbors, a peace that ensures, above all else, that Israelis can live free from the fear of terrorism and violence.”

Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated on November 4, 1995 while leaving a peace rally in Tel Aviv that had been organized to show support for the Oslo agreements.  In 1993, Rabin signed the Oslo Accords in Washington, D.C., which established the framework for future relations between Israel and the Palestinians. He also signed the Israel-Jordan peace treaty with King Hussein in 1994 and is remembered for his courageous ability to move forward with his peace policies amidst polarizing views on the issue.

Congressman Alcee L. Hastings is Vice Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, a senior member of the House Rules Committee, and Co-Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission.