Israeli Assembly: Thousands of Youth Gather at Mount Herzl to Mark 31 Years Since the Assassination of Yitzhak Rabin and Call for a Shared Future

05 November 2026
Under the theme “Building a Shared Future Together,” thousands of young people from across Israeli society gathered for a rally marking 31 years since the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. Just days after the Knesset elections, the young participants called on the country's leaders to demonstrate national responsibility, rise above divisions, and work toward Israel's shared future.
The rally brought together Jewish and Arab, religious and secular youth from movements representing a wide range of perspectives. Against the backdrop of divisions within Israeli society, the participants sought to convey a shared message: disagreement is an integral part of democracy, but it must never turn into incitement or violence. Responsibility for Israel's future belongs to us all.
The event was hosted by journalist Amalia Duek and concluded with a performance by singer Benaya Barabi.
 
Photo: Oded Antman
 
Sarit Zusman, mother of Staff Sergeant Ben Zusman, of blessed memory, said:
“Thirty-one years ago, a choice was made, and it was a criminal one. Today, 31 years later, our standing here together, in the face of a challenging and changing reality, represents hope. Above all, we are brothers and sisters. Words led to tragedy, but words can also create a world, life, and vision. Do not believe those who say there is no chance of changing the way we speak or the reality around us. Believe in yourselves, believe in the person standing before you, choose to believe that things can get better, and use words that build rather than destroy.”
 
Izhar Shay, former Minister of Science and Technology and father of Staff Sergeant Yaron Shay, of blessed memory, said:
“On this special day, as we mark 31 years since the assassination of a prime minister in Israel, let us remember: the despicable murderer who shot the former Chief of Staff of the Six-Day War, who went on to become Prime Minister of Israel, did not only kill a dear man. He also tried to kill hope. He attempted to assassinate the democratic spirit of the State of Israel. With his vile actions, he sought to strike at the values of the Declaration of Independence, on which the foundations of Israel's government rest.We must remember all of this and understand that each of us has a role to play in ensuring the existence and security of the State of Israel.”
 
Rotem Becher, a survivor of the October 7 attacks from Kibbutz Be'eri, said:
“We don't have to agree. But we must remember that the day after the elections, even after the fiercest arguments, we still have to live here together. Rabin's assassination reminds us what can happen when disagreement turns into hatred, and when we stop seeing someone who thinks differently from us as a person worthy of being heard. I believe each of us has a responsibility to prevent this.Each of us – me, you, and everyone listening to me today – shares a common life's mission: to rebuild a wounded country. A country that is not easy to live in. A country filled with pain, anger, disagreements, and fears.But for me, it is still the best country in the world to live in. And it is ours.”
 
Rabbi Eitan Zucker said:
 “What we share is not our opinions. Everyone has their own opinion, but what unites us runs much deeper. You are the hope of the people. Seeing young men and women from all parts of Israeli society gathered here together proves that we can strengthen what we have in common and carry the chain forward.”
 

Photo: Oded Antman

Kaid Abu Latif, director, creator, and artistic director of Al-Yamama Theater in Rahat, said:
“I come from the Negev, from a place where questions of land, recognition, education, personal security, and civil equality are an inseparable part of everyday life. This reality has taught me that a shared home is built through genuine partnership in shaping its future. A home where every person has a voice, every community has a place, and every citizen has rights and dignity. This partnership also places responsibility on me and on the Bedouin Arab society from which I come.”

Eyal Ostrinsky, KKL-JNF Chairman, said:
“The memory of the late Yitzhak Rabin is both a warning and a call to action. The fire that tore us apart then is being reignited today by political operatives and politicians who fan its flames day after day. The answer to division must come from courageous leadership and national responsibility. The youth movements gathered here demonstrate that the public is eager for change: we may disagree passionately, but our shared home is sacred. It is our responsibility to stop standing on the sidelines, lead a responsible and pragmatic public discourse, and build a future in which responsibility triumphs over extremism and brings about genuine unity.”


The rally was held as part of "The Israeli Assembly", an initiative of the coalition of youth movements under the banner “Remembering the Assassination, Fighting for Democracy.”
Participating organizations included HaNoar HaOved VeHaLomed, Bnei Akiva, the Israel Scouts, Hashomer Hatzair, HaMahanot HaOlim, HaNoar HaLeumi, Maccabi Tzair, and the Agricultural Union, together with the Israel Youth Council and Dror Israel.